The first phase of the international tourism relaunch scheme kicks off on November 30. YOUSOS APDOULRASHIM
Minister of Tourism Thong Khon reiterated a call for companies and other stakeholders in the tourism industry to be ready to receive Covid-19 vaccinated travellers, adhere to the minimum standard operating procedure (SOP) and work with the government to rebuild and strengthen the sector during and after the pandemic.
The order was made at an October 30 meeting in Koh Kong province’s Dara Sakor area with provincial political leaders and relevant officials, and representatives of Dara Sakor Vacation Co, Pacific Asian Tourism Association (Pata) and the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents.
The government has been promoting the Dara Sakor area – in Kiri Sakor district’s Koh Sdech commune of Koh Kong – as a laid-back seaside holiday destination, and has incorporated it into the first phase of the international tourism relaunch scheme that kicks off on November 30, along with Preah Sihanouk province – including Koh Rong island.
And a Ministry of Tourism notice on October 26 indicated that Siem Reap province would follow in January 2022.
Without providing further details, Khon pointed out that international tourists would come from countries with “market potential” that are at low risk of coronavirus infection.
Cambodia must develop potential attractions into quality, safe and sustainable tourism destinations, in conformity with the concept of “turning challenges into opportunities”, he said.
“In line with preparations to welcome vaccinated tourists, we must not forget to make an effort to improve safety at our sites, as well as to frequently clean up and spray disinfectant”, he said, adding that these and other vital guidelines are laid out in the SOP which was designed by the tourism and health ministries.
He also advised Dara Sakor Vacation Co to provide a more diverse array of quality and affordable services with a focus on comfort, to draw in domestic day-trippers, in addition to international travellers.
Pata Cambodia chapter chairman Thourn Sinan stressed that the meeting had fired up the tourism sector, as the Kingdom inches closer to opening the doors to fully-jabbed travellers after more than a year.
“The private sector is ready for foreign tourists to be allowed back in, which would be a beacon of hope among those in the tourism sector for a gradual recovery, as the industry dislodges itself from the Covid rut it has struggled in for nearly two years,” he said, adding that many local tour companies have started to advertise abroad.
