As Cambodia gears to woo some seven million inbound tourists by 2020, travel industry players are embarking on massive campaigns to promote the country globally, amid intensifying competition.

Last week, Phnom Penh hosted the ‘Cambodia Travel Mart 2018’, a move to promote the Kingdom among holidaymakers, where local and international travel industry operators participated in the colourful event.

“The second edition of CTM 2018 provided Cambodian and International exhibitors a gateway to Cambodia and the regional travel exhibitors with an ideal platform to reach both regional and international buyers,” Chhay Sivlinh, President of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) told The Post.

The travel mart held at the Diamond Island Exhibition and Convention Centre in the capital from October 11 to 13, was also aimed at unlocking business potentials within ASEAN and rest of the world for inbound and outbound tourism professionals to and from Cambodia.

According to Om Pharin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Slickbooth Events and Public Relations, more than 2,000 trade visitors, around 110 key industry buyers and about 20 media delegates attended the exhibition.

“The Cambodian Travel Mart provided a unique forum for international buyers to meet with Cambodian and international customers and engage in new business development meetings.

“As Cambodia tourism continues to grow in importance, so does this event,” said Mohan Gunti, advisor of CATA.

Visitors at a South Korean tourism booth at the travel mart. Supplied

Participants from countries like India, Myanmar, South Korea, the Philippines, European Union, the United States and Vietnam, among others, took part in the event.

“Overall we are very satisfied with the event. Despite some flaws and downsize, all the buyers and sellers are happy.

“They enjoyed great networking functions and most importantly a very productive appointment,” said Kevin Rangsey, Managing Director of Slickbooth.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, along with Slickbooth and in collaboration with TTG Asia, an international professional event organiser.

In addition, the travel exhibition was also supported by all local tourism associations including Cambodia Tourism Federation, Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, Cambodia Hotel Association, Cambodia Restaurant Association and Pacific Asia Travel Association.