SIEM REAP — Representatives of Australian media outlets have come to Siem Reap at the invitation of the Cambodian Tourism Association (CATA) as part of promoting the province as a destination in Australia.
Fifteen media representatives from eight outlets touched down in Siem Reap on Jan. 12.
CATA President Chhay Sivlin said that the invitation aimed to promote Cambodian tourism destinations, and especially Siem Reap, to Australian tourists. That country is a good market as Australian tourists spend a great deal of money during their visits and usually also spend on community-based and artisan products as well as souvenirs, she said.
Moreover, Australia is not located that far from Cambodia and there are many air travel options even though there is no direct flight, Sivlin said. Travelers from Australia can transit in a number of countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and even Qatar, she said.
“The Australia market is a good one,” she said. “We know that the government also promotes the country,” Sivlin said. “[O]n behalf of the private sector, we do more advertising for all.”
During their stay in Siem Reap, the Australian media representatives are scheduled to visit the Angkor Archeological Park, ecotourism sites and areas around the Tonle Sap Lake.
Sivlin said she hopes that their press coverage will help promote the tourism potential of Cambodia as well as Siem Reap, which may help lead to direct flights between Cambodia and Australia in the future.
The Australian media visit is also part of the “Visit Siem Reap 2024” campaign launched by the Cambodian government to boost the tourism sector in the province.
At a reception held on Jan. 12 to welcome the Australian media visitors, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province Yun Linne said that Siem Reap has rich tourism potential for tourists and investors. Apart from tourism, Siem Reap has potential in agriculture, handicrafts, trade and light industry, he said.
Secretary of State for the Ministry of Tourism Top Sopheak said that he expects the tourism market from Australia to grow well.
In 2023, more than 80,000 Australian tourists came to visit Cambodia. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 120,000 Australians had visited Cambodia in 2019, Sopheak said.
In addition to this Australian market effort, CATA President Chhay Sivlin said that a campaign to attract tourists from India is in the works as India is another major tourism market for the country and direct flights between Cambodia and India will be launched in 2024.
