Cambodia calms fears

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents says the country is still safe for travel despite post-election tensions that led to street protests and at least one fatality.

CATA president, Ang Kim Eang, said in a statement to local media, earlier this week, that travel to Phnom Penh, the capital had not been disrupted.

The association earlier confirmed “massive non-violent demonstrations” by the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party that had culminated in a three-day sit-in at Freedom Park Tuesday.

The CNRP opposition party has alleged voter fraud and demanded an investigation. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy and Prime Minister Hun Sen have since met for talks on how to end the stalemate. Hun Sen has vowed to stay in power until he is 70, giving him another six years.

“Tourists are not at risk since the sit-in complies with democratic expression, peaceful, non-violent protest and authorities are maintaining order,” the association said.

There was no reference to Sunday’s clashes on the riverside between protesters and police, and a violent altercation on the Kbal Thnal overpass in south Phnom Penh later that night, which resulted in the death of protester and 10 others seriously injured.

Several embassies have also cautioned their citizens to remain vigilant and avoid straying too close to the protest area.

The association president added that the incidents on Sunday happened outside of the opposition party’s official protest area in Freedom Park.

“Yesterday morning I travelled around Phnom Penh myself, to the National Museum, to the Royal Palace; I didn’t meet any difficulty, I didn’t see any danger for tourists,” he said.

On Sunday and parts of Monday, tourists had to negotiate their way through razor-wire installations and security barricades around the capital.

The president added that although there were no cancellations on existing bookings, potential visitors planning new bookings for arrivals in September or October might consider delaying their trip.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Tourism’s Department of Statistics director, Kong Sopearak, was quoted as saying: “This week tourists are still arriving at a steady pace… the difficulties in reaching parts of the city only lasted for a short while in a small section of Phnom Penh.”

“I don’t think it is affecting the  tourism sector. Until now, everything is normal and we don’t have any tourists cancelling their plans to come,” he added.

Tourism is one of the main drivers behind Cambodia’s growing economy, contributing 12% to the country’s GDP last year.

Ministry of Tourism statistics showed that 2.4 million international tourists visited Cambodia in the first seven months of this year, a 19.1% year-on-year increase.

The ministry expected that the sector could attract up to 4.1 million trips this year up 17.14% from 3.5 million last year.

Sourced: ttrweekly