Siem Reap (FN), Dec. 5 – Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism Hor Sarun, on behalf of Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, announced that Cambodia received 5.37 million international tourists in the first 10 months of 2024, surpassing pre-COVID19 levels.
Hor Sarun spoke on 4 December 2024 during the opening of Tourism Policy and Governance Forum in Siem Reap.
Hor Sarun underscored that, "Overall, the Cambodian tourism sector has been strengthened and is steadily progressing on the right track, regaining the achievements of pre-COVID times. In the first 10 months of 2024, Cambodia welcomed 5.37 million international tourists, achieving 101.5 per cent of the figures recorded during the same period in 2019, a peak year for the sector."
Hor Sarun underlined that under the seventh-mandate Royal Government, guided by the competent and dynamic leadership of the Cambodian prime minister, tourism development has been prioritised as part of the national strategy, as outlined in the Pentagon Strategy which focuses on "continuing to promote tourism sector, especially promoting cultural and natural tourism devlopment in addition to green, clean, and smart tourism; promoting the development of new types of tourism with high values added and business tourism through formulating and enhancing the implementation of policies and tourism sector development master plans."
At the same time, Hor Sarun added that the Ministry of Tourism, under the leadership of Minister Huot Hak, has established a clear vision aligned with the Royal Government's strategy to position Cambodia as a leading global tourism destination. This vision prioritises quality, warmth, and confidence for international tourists while aiming to improve the well-being of Cambodian people.
Hor Sarun encouraged the participation of all stakeholders in achieving responsible tourism development, with a focus on sustainability and environmental preservation. He also called on all citizens, both Cambodians and foreigners, to contribute to promoting tourism by sharing only positive information about the country's destinations.
On this occasion, Hor Sarun commended the Department of Research and Tourism Policy for their dedication and collaboration in organising the forum in a timely and contextually appropriate manner.
Hor Sarun continued that under the enduring peace in Cambodia, tourism has become a key driver of economic growth, social development, improved livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The Royal Government recognises tourism as a priority sector and has developed clear policies to support its sustainable development.
=FRESH NEWS
