Chinese, Malaysian airlines to land in local market
The new fair aims to promote tourism in Cambodia, although some spots are already well-known internationally. KT/Mai Vireak
With
hundreds of local and foreign businesses showcasing their best products
and services to throngs of local and international tourists, industry
insiders expect the Cambodia Travel Mart – which will take place this
weekend – to be a significant milestone in pushing forward the country’s
tourism sector.
The first
Cambodia Travel Mart, which will take place in Siem Reap from November
17-19, is organised by the Ministry of Tourism and will see travel
agencies, restaurants, hotels and airlines coming together to promote
their best products and help boost the number of tourists visiting the
kingdom.
The tourism business
forum, one of the main events of the weekend, will attract more than 500
international companies, according to Thoun Sinan, chairman of the
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which sponsors the fair.
“It’s a good opportunity to show foreign tourists what we have and how far we’ve come,” Mr Sinan said.
“Some
foreign tourists have only known Cambodia through word of mouth, but
have never actually been here, so it’s an excellent opportunity to show
them our potential.”
Entrepreneurs
need to make sure they are bringing their best products and services to
make sure they leave a mark on visitors, Mr Sinan added.
Luu Meng, co-chair of the Government-Private Sector Tourism Working Group, was also upbeat about the event.
“Through
this fair, travel agencies, hotels and restaurants can create new
connections and expand their network beyond our country,” he said.
“Many
foreign businesspeople will attend. When they go back to their own
countries, they will hopefully create new tour packages to the kingdom.”
The
fair will be an invaluable asset in helping the government achieve its
goal of attracting seven million foreign tourists by 2020, Mr Meng
added.
Tourism Minister Thong
Khon said in June that the event promises to be one of the best
platforms in Southeast Asia to promote the region’s tourism potential.
“Cambodia Travel Mart 2017 will serve to promote not just Cambodia, but the whole region.
“We encourage all tour operators, companies and tourism associations to participate in the event,” Mr Khon said.
Cambodia attracted five million foreign tourists in 2016. This year, the government expects that number to rise to 5.6 million.
Source: http://www.khmertimeskh.com/5090957/fair-showcases-tourism-potential/
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