Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) welcomed an impressive 1.3 million passengers in the first eleven months of 2024. Passenger numbers are projected to reach 1.4 million by year-end and 2 million in 2025, according to a report presented by Lu Wei, Chairman of the airport, during a meeting with Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, on Sunday.
Chairman Lu highlighted the airport’s efforts to boost tourism, particularly from China, by promoting and organizing events. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its support in developing the airport, especially in establishing a reliable water supply network. Lu also emphasized the importance of developing the surrounding area to attract high-value-added industries, noting that Yunnan Investment Group has plans for further investments in both the airport and its vicinity.
Minister Vanndy praised the airport’s achievements and reiterated the Royal Government’s commitment to supporting investment initiatives. He emphasized that a thriving domestic industry would naturally lead to increased air transport, further driving the airport’s growth and enhancing regional development.
“The government wants both small and large-scale investment projects to succeed,” Vanndy said. “As domestic industries grow, so will air transport, boosting the airport and the surrounding area’s development.”
Officially opened in October 2023 and located approximately 50 kilometers from Siem Reap city, the SAI boasts a capacity of 7 million passengers annually. It serves as a modern gateway to Cambodia’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, and other ancient temples.
Thim Sereyvuth, Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism, reported that 70% of tourists visiting Siem Reap arrive by air, while 30% travel by land. He noted that daily international arrivals currently result in about 4,000 tourists purchasing Angkor entrance tickets.
“With the high season approaching, including New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, we anticipate an increase in tourist numbers during December, January, and February. We aim to enhance service quality to encourage longer stays in Siem Reap,” Sereyvuth shared.
The Ministry of Tourism, along with the Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Development Commission, has introduced policies and a comprehensive development plan to ensure steady growth in the province’s tourism sector. Senior Minister Thong Khon, Chairman of the Siem Reap-Angkor Tourism Management and Development Committee, emphasized the need to balance cultural and ecotourism development while maintaining the region’s primary attraction—its iconic temples.
Siem Reap’s strategic vision and infrastructure investments, supported by collaborative efforts across public and private sectors, position it as a thriving destination for tourism and economic growth. The SAI continues to play a central role in this journey, welcoming travelers to one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural heritage sites.
Source: Khmer Times
