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By
: Jon Bugge.
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The kingdom is gearing up
for 2003 - why?
Two events of international significance: The
Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) and Visit Cambodia Year
2003.
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The ATF is the
most important regional event for the tourism industry;
Cambodia will be the first country in IndoChina to host
the event. With the huge growth in tourism in the kingdom
it is the ideal host country. Last year forum was held
in Yogyakarta in Indonesia. It is the 22nd annual ATF
and there will be over 300 booths and more than 1,500
delegates are expected to attend. Delegates will include
top government officials, industry policy makers, private
business and the media.
Cambodia hosting the meeting breaks with the previously
strict tradition of alphabetical rotation in choosing
the annual venue. Technically Malaysia was due to hold
the event in 2003. Now they will have to wait an additional
year before taking their turn.
Hosting such international events does not come cheap.
The estimated cost for Cambodia hosting the forum will
be $2.6 million: a cost that they hope to reimburse from
those exhibiting, according to Thong Khon, the Secretary
of State for Tourism.
With tourism growing hugely it is no doubt a wise investment.
In 2001 the figure was 466,000 tourists and in 2003 they
hope to reach the figure of one million. Realizing that
the biggest draw is the temples of Angkor the government
is trying to attract attention to other destinations within
the kingdom. Former Khmer Rouge strongholds are being
given a make over in preparation for the masses. Pol Pot's
house and cremation site will be on the list of things
to do.
Visit Cambodia Year will be an important focus for the
international community on Cambodia. As in the past, catchphrases
and slogans are used to market the individual countries.
In 2003 the slogan for Cambodia is: "A World of Treasures."
In anticipation of the influx of tourism several areas
are being upgraded. Most notably the airport that has
been receiving a much-needed renovation. This will be
finished in time to welcome delegates for the ATF and
tourists alike. The project should be finished by the
end of this year.
Construction is also taking place on the West bank of
the Tonle Sap, in Hun Sen Park. The idea being that this
is where the Forum itself will be held in a purpose built
facility. Already this building is clearly visible from
the Phnom Penh waterfront. Rumours of alternate venues
abound.
Another development will be a large increase in the number
of welcome and directional signs. These will be at each
gateway and provincial border along the national routes.
A much needed and highly acclaimed move, these signposts
will provide accurate information for tourists and locals
alike. Reports suggest that there is a degree of corporate
interest in sponsoring these signs. For anyone reading
who wishes to sponsor a sign please call 023-213-133,
or email: service@reddotcam.com for more information.
An un-missable chance to ensure exposure during this promotional
year.
There is a lot of activity within the kingdom to prepare
for this important global event. Prime Minister, Hun Sen,
is quoted as saying that: "We have time to improve
infrastructure and bring facilities up to scratch" |
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Suite
B8, Regency Square, InterContinental Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung
Boulevard,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133 Fax: (855) 23 213 033
E-mail:
editor@leisurecambodia.com |
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