The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is promoting the quarantine exemption for all fully vaccinated travelers to Cambodia, while the Tourism Ministry has expressed confidence that more international tourists will come to the Kingdom.
Tourism Ministry spokesman Top Sopheak told Khmer Times yesterday that it is a strong point for Cambodia tourism, as the government tries to control the pandemic and prevent another community outbreak.
He said that the ministry is also making sure all tourist destinations in the Kingdom are safe and reliable.
“Once we achieve this, international tourists will be interested in travelling and will see Cambodia as a good choice,” said Sopheak.
Tourism Minister Thong Khon expressed optimism that with the WTO’s help in disseminating the quarantine waiver for fully vaccinated tourists, more international tourists will come to visit Cambodia.
He said during the three days of the Water Festival he saw that domestic tourists are starting to support tourism businesses, such as hotels and restaurants.
“All of these factors point to a return to normalcy and the resumption of economic activity, especially for businesses in the private sector that were suspended in the past,” he said.
Cambodia Association of Travel Agency president Chhay Sivlin said yesterday that the waiver for fully vaccinated tourists is a positive sign.
She said that with the WTO’s help, the news will travel faster and more extensively to tourists who may be interested in returning or visiting Cambodia for the first time.
“It is safe to say Cambodia will become even more attractive to foreign tourists after being promoted further by the WTO. The backing of such a prominent organisation gives more confidence to travelers,” said Sivlin.
“Since the announcement to reopen the country came rather abruptly, all tourism businesses and airlines need time to restructure and resume their operations, especially airlines as they are the vital element in getting eager tourists to Cambodia,” she said.
They will require time to rebuild their workforces, as well as to ensure the safety and comfort of travellers, she added.
The WTO has posted on its website that from November 15, 2021, quarantine would be waived for fully vaccinated international arrivals to Cambodia.
