AFP
PHNOM PENH -- Tourist arrivals to Cambodia topped two million in 2007, Tourism Minister Thong Khon said Wednesday, adding that the country hopes to attract more visitors this year by expanding its attractions.
"We hit our target" for tourist arrivals last year, he told AFP, saying the two-million mark represented a jump of nearly 20 percent over 2006 figures.
While most foreigners still flock to Cambodia's famed Angkor temples, officials are seeking to create more destinations for visitors, he said.
"We hit our target" for tourist arrivals last year, he told AFP, saying the two-million mark represented a jump of nearly 20 percent over 2006 figures.
While most foreigners still flock to Cambodia's famed Angkor temples, officials are seeking to create more destinations for visitors, he said.
7 comments:
I think seeking to create more destinations for visitors is extremely crucial. The Angkor ruins is perhaps Cambodia's largest tourist destination, and second is Phnom Penh. Tourism should also be focused on such places as Preah Vihear, Kompong Som (Sihanoukville), Kep, Kampot...and some eco-tourism destinations such as Ratanakiri, Phnom Aurol, etc. I know many backpackers and casual tourists have began flocking to these areas but there's so much more potential than what is being offered right now.
And economically, how much if one may ask, Cambodian people benefits from it?
I agree with the idea, it will release much pressure from our ancient Angkor temple so it won't suffer too much traffic and damage.
Please choose this new development carefully and make sure those people who will be affected are involved and have a say in the project, that is th most important lesson i appeal to the Cambodian government as a Khmer person.
Another thing is, of 2 million people that will start coming each year, how many never left?
Now it is time for the rich capitalist oppressors to distribute their wealth in which they have profited from our cultural icon (Angkor Wat) tourism to the underprivileged people.
Khmer forever! Yuon out of Cambodia!
Cambodia attracted 2 million tourists in 2007 and inflation is at 6.5%? Ahhahahhahah
It doesn't matter how many tourist Cambodia attracted over the years under AH HUN SEN economic policy and dirt poor Cambodian are still poor more than ever before! Just a quick walk to the market will tell the health of Cambodian economy!
Right now! Dirt poor Cambodian people are complaining about the higher price of basic goods and services!
Cambodia is lacking real resorts where tourists spend 1 or 2 weeks and have a range of activities to choose from to make it an interesting stay. Angkor Wat is the magnet that draws people to Cambodia but most spend their beach time in Thailand. The problem is that the tourist business only creates rather low-paying jobs in the service sector. But it is one step in the direction of more employment. If the tourist industry is in the hands of native Cambodians the money the tourists spend stays in Cambodia, not to mention what they spend on food and souvenirs, excursions, etc. All those expenditures flow into Cambodian pockets. Though most of the bigger hotels in Seam Reap are foreign-owned, they were built by Khmer workers (mostly). So there are benefits for many Khmer people. Of course, this will be a slow development over time. It won't be like Angkor Wat, which became a success story overnight. There is plenty to develop all over the country, from Sihanoukville, to Rattanakiri, to Mondulkiri, and remote regions. If this is done with the environment in mind Cambodia has a lot to gain from the tourism industry. I have a long experience in the business and
am planning to build an eco-resort myself.
Congratulation! Cambodia had reached 2 mil tourist just last year.
In rough calculation: $25 (Airport tax per tourist) x 2 mil tourists = $50 mil. Where the hell that money goes?
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