After COVID Was Eased, Cambodian Travel Boomed

ANN/PHNOM PENH POST

With COVID-related documents no longer needing to be presented to enter Cambodia, tourism industry insiders are bracing for a surge in international and domestic tourism.

In an announcement issued on October 3 by the Ministry of Health, Minister Mam Bun Heng said, “We have removed the requirement for all incoming travelers in all modes of transport: land, river, and air. Health certificates are not required upon arrival nor is proof of full vaccination required.

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Speaking to The Post on October 4, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter President Thourn Sinan said rollbacks on COVID safety measures are crucial to attracting foreign travelers to the Kingdom and facilitate their travels, especially now that the tourism sector is gradually recovering. pandemic fallout.

“When compared to other countries, the government skips steps daily to make international travelers' lives easier, reflecting how much state aid is given to the private sector. The new removal of travel barriers will further pave the way for more visitors to enter our country,” he said.

PTM Travel & Tours Co Ltd's Commercial Director, Sar Sarin, praised the move, which he noted would contribute to a recovery of international and domestic tourism, partially supported by the Kingdom's post-Covid safeguards.

“My opinion is that foreign tourists visiting our country will be confident in our country since our vaccination rate is high.

“With overseas agencies eager to provide travel packages to our country, we hope the tourism sector will also recover,” he said.

Despite the revised entry rules, Bun Heng said in the announcement that travelers will still be required to have their temperature taken upon arrival at border crossings. Additionally, health officials and other quarantine officials will remain at borders and airports to screen travelers and provide guidance as needed.

The Ministry of Tourism recently unveiled an eight-pronged strategy aimed at increasing the annual number of international visitors to Cambodia and domestic trips to at least 7.5 million and 16 million, respectively, by 2028.

For reference, ministry figures showed Cambodia welcomed 998,272 international arrivals in the first eight months of 2022, up 720% year-on-year, but down 77% from the same period in 2019. August alone accounted for more than a quarter., at 254,813, up 7.65% from July (236,697), up 44.95% from June (163,298).

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