Cambodia updates arrivals

PHNOM PENH  Cambodia’s tourist arrivals registered an increase of 5.4% in August, according to the country’s statistics and tourist Information Department.
The country recorded 366,096 trips compared to 347,211 during the same month last year.
Released by the Ministry of Tourism, last week, the latest data showed Vietnam led supply markets with 68,876 visits, but it was down 5.1% from 72,613 during the same month in 2014.
Other markets in top five were: China (65,766; +41.0%); South Korea (25,977; -4.6%); Laos (25,917; -25.8%); and Thailand (25,092; -14.0%).

inside no 1In August, 55.8% (204,276) of all international visitors arrived by airlines. Siem Reap Airport gained the major market share at 30.4% (111,396). Phnom Penh Airport secured a market share of 25.4% (92,880).
Overland travel accounted for 40.7% (149,180) through checkpoints with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, while sea travel was a small 3.5% (12,640).
In addition, the data showed tourist arrivals to Phnom Penh and other destinations enjoyed a market share of 48.2% attracting 199,998, while Siem Reap province, home of Angkor Wat, accounted for 40.0% welcoming 166,098 visits. Coastal areas had a market share of 10.6% with 44,145 visits, while ecotourism areas accounted for a 1.1% receiving 4,641 visits.
By region, Asia Pacific accounted for a 78.6% market share and posted an increase of 3.2% supporting 287,793 visits.
Africa recorded an increase of 60.2% with 713 visits following by the Middle East (+40.3%; 986), Oceania (+33.5%; 12,552), Americas (+22.1%; 17,925), and Europe (+11.7%; 58,679).
Outbound trips by Cambodians in August reached 108,335 increasing 33.1% from 81,405 during the same month last year.
For January to August this year, the country welcomed 3,032,411 international travellers up 5.0% from 2,888,670 visits in 2014.
Outbound trips reached 758,041 growing 22.0% for the first eight months of the year compared to 621,548 trips during the same period last year.
Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the country will focus on so-called green tourism to support the country’s objective to establish sustainability.
“To achieve the goal, all relevant sectors should pull together to adopt the country’s green concept.”
The concept calls for tourism businesses to lower the threat on the environment. However, it is criticised as a green wash activity with little real commitment beyond a few tour operators and hotels that have strong CSR programmes.
Prime Minister Hun Sen also said cultural tourism plays a key role to build national cultural assets that in turn helps to boost the economy.
“Cultural tourism development is the government’s top priority…this sector does not only contribute to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, but also plays an important role in supporting national integration.”
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sourced:ttrweekly.com