The number of visitors to Cambodia increased 33 percent for the first six months of this year, thanks to aggressive marketing by international tour operators and increased convenience for travelers here, Minister of Tourism Veng Seryvuth said Thursday.
Grumbling businessmen in Phnom Penh, however, say the increase does them no good, since most of the visitors—and their cash—are flying directly to Siem Reap under the government’s so-called “open skies” policy.
The country’s continued reputation for having put war behind it makes it “very attractive” to tour organizers in the US, Europe and other Asian countries, Veng Seryvuth said.
“This is possible because the access to this country is getting much, much better,” he said.
Whether for business or holiday, 297,583 people came to Cambodia between the months of January and June, 33 percent more than during the same six months last year, according to Ministry of Tourism figures.
A total of 65,572 of the visitors went directly to Siem Reap, nearly double the number who did the same during the first half of last year.
Direct flights and Prime Minister Hun Sen’s open sky policy, which allow airlines from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Singapore to fly directly to Siem Reap, accounted for the massive surge in visitors to the province, Veng Seryvuth said.
The direct flight policy “certainly attracts travelers” who are looking for beautiful destinations and “smooth packaging of tours,” he said.
But that smooth packaging may be crippling some Phnom Penh businesses. Since the open sky policy began in January 2000, hotels, restaurants and vendors who rely on tourist dollars say they have seen a big decline in business.
“Since the policy began, many Cambodians have lost jobs. The policy is increasing the income for Thai [airlines] and Thai people, not for Cambodians,” said Sathol Miyura, president of Apex Cambodia Travel Service.
Meanwhile, hotel workers in Phnom Penh claim tourist business has dropped between 40 percent and 70 percent.
“Look on the streets of Phnom Penh. You see very few foreigners,” said one hotel employee, asking not to be named.
The benefits of tourists going to Siem Reap will ultimately outweigh the growing pains felt right now by Phnom Penh businesses, Veng Seryvuth said.
“In any development, somebody gains, somebody loses. But overall, it is better to move this industry toward the most potential for attraction. Direct flights have a direct influence on how people will travel. More choices, more markets; that’s why you do direct flights,” the minister said.
That leaves some Phnom Penh officials in a quandary. Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara said that while he realizes the direct flight policy isn’t likely to change, he still wants to encourage visitors to come down to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap for one or two days to visit.
That is something that city beautification should take care of, Veng Seryvuth said. The municipal government is doing much to improve the look of the capital, including riverside promenades and an international airport terminal that will soon be upgraded and modernized, he said.
