Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is championing measures to bolster tourism and simplify travel procedures. In a significant move, Manet proposed during his address at the Samdech Pin Sem Museum groundbreaking ceremony, that to increase tourist footfall during the off-peak seasons, airport departure fees on flights might be halved, with further reductions for flights having above 80% capacity. This decision reflects a strategic compromise for higher tourist turnout, despite the potential decrease in state revenue.
To reinforce this initiative, Manet stressed the importance of offering lower landing charges during the seasonal dips or when new aircraft routes are introduced, aiming to make travel more cost-effective. The Premier also mentioned an agreement to construct a new Siem Reap airport, exempt from road tolls to National Road 6, as part of a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project. Manet’s strategy includes promotional plans to reduce ticket prices for the Angkor Archaeological Park starting in June, as part of ongoing endeavors to draw visitors year-round.
In conjunction with promotional efforts, Manet announced a significant integration initiative to streamline travel. Within a month, he tasked relevant ministries to consolidate health, immigration, and customs forms into a single online platform, referred to as the E-arrival system, to ease the process for international tourists. This move is set to facilitate visa fee payment online, allowing for faster entry and a more welcoming experience at Cambodian gates.
Addressing legal impediments to tourism growth, the Prime Minister advised the cancellation of a 1998 sub-decree requiring a minimum one-night stay for tourists in Cambodia. The revision caters to visitors seeking shorter stays, improving the appeal for day-trippers and potentially enhancing tourism revenue. This decision mirrors Cambodia’s developing accessibility compared to the past.
The combined effects of these measures, from financial incentives to deregulation and operational integration, signal Cambodia’s determination to revitalize its tourism landscape, aiming to offset the target shortfall from the pre-Covid era and invite travelers to experience the cultural and historic facets of the nation.
Source: Fresh News
