Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 21 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked the Phnom Penh Capital Hall and all relevant authorities for their collaborative efforts in organising the 2024 Water Festival, which has seen an increase in European tourists visiting Cambodia.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Nov. 21) during a graduation of more than 8,000 students of the Royal University of Phnom Penh at Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Phnom Penh Capital Hall, all relevant ministries, working groups, all kinds of Armed Forces for their voluntary participation, as well as private sector for their cooperation in organising this year’s festival (Water Festival). We held a grand celebration with tremendous participation, including more than 20,000 athletes in the boat races,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei noted that Cambodia’s successful hosting of this major event as a reflection of warmth, unity, and national pride in the spirit of peace and political stability, with people from all walks of life celebrating together.

"Tourists from overseas also joined. My family shared that the flights from Singapore were full of European tourists coming to experience the Water Festival. Some of these tourists mentioned that they were unaware of the festival in the past and decided to visit this time because of our promotional efforts. In Siem Reap, people commented that during the Water Festival, those from outside the capital visit Phnom Penh, while Phnom Penh residents travel to the provinces,” the premier continued.

With the success of the Water Festival, Premier Hun Manet also thanked the citizens for helping to promote tourism as well as Cambodia, and today's achievement is a celebration of joint achievements. Samdech Thipadei also urged the media, especially social media users, to continue to spread positive messages about Cambodia's tourism sector to attract more international tourists to visit Cambodia.

It should be noted that nearly eight million national and international tourists travelled across Cambodia during the three days of the Water Festival, representing a 21.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
=FRESH NEWS