Cambodia hosts int'l food, hotel exhibition to promote tourism

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- A three-day international food and drinks and hotel exhibition opened here on Wednesday in a fresh move of the Cambodian government to promote eco-tourism in the country. The exhibition attracted over 150 companies including those from the United States and Singapore, said Mohamed Mahyunddin Mohd Dahan, chairman of the AMB Events Malaysia, which organized the event. "It is the largest gathering of hospitality industry professionals in Cambodia," he said. "Over 10,000 trade visitors are expected to attend this event where they can see a showcase of a complete range of equipment, supplies and technology for the hospitality industry." Cambodia's Tourism Minister Thong Khon said at the opening of the exhibition that food service was the ample corner for tourism development and identity of culture. "Khmer food is known for its subtle taste, and Cambodian cooks are praised for the fantastic creativeness to meet the satisfaction of national and international tourists," he said. During the exhibition, the Cambodia Restaurant Association would present competitions including the culinary, bartender, cake decoration, barista and bed making contests. About 2.3 million international tourists visited Cambodia in the first eight months of this year, up 24 percent from a year earlier. Sourced: Xinhuanet