November 23, 2008 by pna
PHNOM PENH, Nov. 23 — Cambodia Tourism Ministry will hold 13th international marathon championship on Dec. 7 in Siem Reap province, where the centuries-old Angkor Wat is situated, local media reported on Sunday.
The race is expected to promote tourism there amid the world economic crisis, Chinese-language newspaper the Jian Hua Daily quoted Tourism Minister Thong Khon as saying.
"Around 2,100 runners will participate in the activity, with over 800 from 30 foreign countries," he said. "In addition, the Asia Golf Tour will also be started in Siem Reap on Dec. 11 in the province."
"These sports events may help Cambodia counter the negative effects posed by the financial recession and the current border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the kingdom's tourism industry," he added.
The ministry has lowered it expectation of foreign tourists for 2008 to 2.1 million from the original 2.7 million.
Tourism is one of the pillar industries of the country and the Angkor Wat the hottest sight-seeing spot. (PNA/Xinhua)
No comments:
Post a Comment