Cambodia tourism withstands violence

About 4.2 million visitors went to Cambodia last year, a 14% jump from 3.86 million 2012, the Cambodia Daily said on Thursday, citing preliminary figures from the Cambodian Tourism Ministry.

Vietnamese topped the number of foreign tourists followed by the Japanese and Koreans, it added.

Cambodia was hit by protests - led by opposition leader Sam Rainsy of the Cambodia National Rescue Party - against Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodia People's Party after the election in July last year. Demonstrators were upset about poll cheating.

But Kong Sopheareak, a Tourism Ministry official, told the newspaper that the demonstrations did not affect the tourism sector.

"Tourism numbers increased, but at a slower rate [than from 2012 to 2013]. But last year we beat our target of 4.15 million visitors, so I dont think the political situation and protests have affected tourism much. Tourists are still coming because they have planned their holiday and don't want to change it,'' he was quoted as saying.

Sourced: Bangkok Post