Asian tourist numbers up, profits stagnant

Tuesday, 07 August 2012

By Rann Reuy 

Phnom Penh Post

The growth in international tourists visiting Cambodia is almost 27 per cent that of the numbers seen during the first six months of 2011, according to tourism officials who are predicting that the growth may be 25 per cent at the end of this year.

Visitors coming to Cambodia during the first six months of the year numbered 1,756,652, increasing 26.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2011, when only 1,385,029 visited the Kingdom.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the tourism situation in the Asia Pacific in general and ASEAN in particular is better than other areas, which is not only better for the region but means that Cambodia no longer suffers from a low season in terms of tourist numbers.

“Previously, in rainy season it was considered a low season tourism but no longer because when it rains in Cambodia, in Europe it is the hot season,” he said.

The growth in tourism numbers was the result of an increase in the number of direct flights from China and Korea, good internal security, broad promotion, and strengthening tourism services, he said.

The minister expects that the increase in tourists to Cambodia may be from 20 per cent to 25 per cent by the end of this year when compared to the same period last year.

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To contact the reporter on this story: Rann Reuy at reuy.rann@phnompenhpost.com