Tourist numbers rise sharply during holiday

Local and international tourists aboard a ferry in Kampot during King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday.

Higher incomes, better roads and a wider offer of tourism products are encouraging more Cambodians to travel, particularly during national holidays like King Norodom Sihamoni’s birthday, they noted.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the three most popular travel destinations during the holiday were Siem Reap, the coast, and eco-tourism sites in the Northeast.

Ministry spokesman Top Sopheak said the number of domestic travellers continues to rise every year.

“Travelling within the country is becoming an increasingly popular activity, whether during holidays or during the weekend, because people are enjoying higher incomes and because the country is peaceful and stable,” Mr Sopheak said.

Siem Reap province saw a sharp increase in tourist arrivals during the three-day holiday, according to authorities.

Dy Samrith, deputy governor of Siem Reap province, said Siem Reap continues to be the biggest draw for travellers.

“The number of tourists increased markedly compared to the same celebration last year, but it was not higher than during Khmer New Year,” Mr Samrith said.

“Tourists continue to pour into the province because we have a wide offer of tourism and cultural products. Siem Reap continues to be a priority for tourists.”

Siem Reap’s tourism department will publish official figures on tourist arrivals during the holiday today, Mr Samrith noted.

Kampot province, on the coast, saw a twofold increase in visitors compared to the same holiday last year.

“We observed that each year the number of tourists grows, particularly during national holidays like King Sihamoni’s birthday,” Soy Sinol, director of Kampot’s tourism department, said.

“In Kampot, there was a shortage of rooms during King Sihamoni’s birthday,” he added.This news from khmertimeskh.com