Visa fees to Cambodia to be increased this October

Foreigners will pay more to enter Cambodia following a government decision to raise visa fees by USD10 starting in October.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, international tourists will have to pay USD30 for a one-month entry visa and business visitors USD35, up from the USD20 and USD25, respectively.

The new one-month e-visa fee will be USD37 (USD30 (plus USD7 on precessing fee) up from the current fee of USD27 (USD20 visa fee and USD7 procession fee).

The announcement was posted at http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/default.aspx.

Ministry of Tourism general director, Ith Chantha, told local media that the government believed the increase was small and not enough to cause a problem for tourism.

“The fees are still reasonable compared to most other countries where the fees are USD70, USD80, USD100…like Australia and the US,” he said.

However, Ho Vandy, co-chair of the Government-Private Sector Working Group on Tourism, said the move would put pressure on Cambodia’s tourism sector at a time when competition to attract visitors is heating up.

“The government should think more about promotion and creating attractive policies. Increasing the cost of a visa could be viewed as a negative.”

Tourism is one of the four major pillars supporting the Cambodian economy, accounting for an estimated 16% of the GDP.

For January to June this year, the country welcomed 2,201,368 international travellers improving 5.2% from 2,092,599 visits during the same period in 2013.

Cambodia is projected to receive 4.6 million international visitors this year, an expected rise of 10% from 4.2 million last year.

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Cambodia’s tourism powers on

Cambodia’s closed 2013 with a healthy 17.5% increase in tourist arrivals according to the country’s statistics and tourist Information Department.

The country attracted 4,210,165 visits compared to 3,584,307 visits in 2012. Just over 2 million overland trips came from neighbouring Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

Data released by the Ministry of Tourism, late last week, showed Vietnam was the top supplier with 854,104 trips up 11.9% from 763,136 in 2012.

Other top markets were: China (463,123; +38.7%); South Korea (435,009; +5.7%); Laos (414,531; +63.2%); and Thailand (221,259; +9.8%).

In 2013, 47.9% (2,017,658) of all international visitors arrived by air. Siem Reap Airport received the major share, 28.1% (1,181,281) and Phnom Penh Airport registered a market share of 19.9% (836,377).

Overland travel accounted for 50.3% of all trips (2,117,454) travel through checkpoints with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam while sea travel had a market share of just 1.8% (75,053).

When all modes of transport are considered data showed tourist arrivals to Siem Reap province, home of Angkor Wat, had a market share of 53.1% or 2,237,286 visits.

Asia Pacific was the main source region with a market share of 76.8% and grew at 19.2% to deliver 3,231,892 visits last year.

Oceania grew 29.1% to 152,712 followed by Europe (+14.2%; 698,157), Americas (+7.7%; 263,175), Africa (+4.9%; 5,902), and the Middle East (+3.0%; 11,039).

Outbound trips by Cambodians in 2013 reached 871,646 increasing 10.0% from 792,398 in 2012.

Last December, the country attracted 431,807 international travellers improving 12.9% from 382,326 visits during the same month in 2012.

Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon said China was the second largest source of tourists to Cambodia after Vietnam last year.

“The steady growth of Chinese tourists to Cambodia was thanks to the country’s attractive tourism destinations, political stability and direct flight connections between the two countries.”

He added: “Moreover, good relations between the Cambodian and Chinese governments have encouraged more Chinese tourists and business people to Cambodia… currently, we are working to attract more Chinese tourists, particularly to the Angkor Wat temple and coastal areas.”

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Cambodia Being The Fastest Growing Air Market In Southeast Asia

The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation published recently a study showing that Cambodia is becoming Southeast Asia fastest growing markets with growth in passengers traffic reaching 18% for the second year in a row. Expansion is now engaged to double capacity at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.

Siem Reap International Airport, the air gateway serving Angkor Wat temples continue to register the highest passengers growth rates in Cambodia. Last year, the airport welcomed over 2.75 million passengers, up by over 20%. The airport is likely to reach or to close to three million passengers this year. Phnom Penh international Airport recorded 2.38 million passengers, up by 15%. Even Sihanoukville, the country third international airport, started to see some movement. The small Southern gateway welcomed last year over 20,000 passengers, a growth of 41% over 2012.

Cambodian airports’ good performance is due to the strong growth in tourism but also in the number of flights and air carriers in the Cambodian market. While national carrier Cambodia Angkor Air has finally embarked into rapid expansion, opening in a year time seven new routesn, mostly to China PRC. CAA network added last year from Phnom Penh the cities of Bangkok, Hanoi and Shanghai while from Siem Reap, the carrier launched flights to Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Wenzhou. In February, CAA launched a sixth route to China, Siem Reap-Fuzhou served with three weekly flights. The delivery of a new Airbus A321 could translate into new services to Korea and China.

The arrival of new Chinese carriers (Spring Airlines, Air China or Tianjin Airlines) had a tremendous effect on traffic. China represents now 15% of all seat capacities to and from Cambodia. This is the third largest market after Vietnam and Thailand which represent both some 22% to 25% of all available seats. Vietnam plays a leading and rather influential role in Cambodia. Vietnam Airlines represents not only over 15% of total seat capacity on international routes, it is also  the main foreign stake holder in Cambodia Angkor Air, the country’s flag carrier. In total, 29 airlines serve now Cambodia.

Cambodian airports are now investing 100 million US$ to the expansion of both airports. Work started in January on the expansion of terminals and aprons. More check-in and immigration counters as well as new baggage handling systems will be installed. When expansion works will be achieved by 2015 for Siem Reap and 2016 for Phnom Penh, the capacity of each airport will be of 5 million passengers on an annual basis.

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First PATA Travel Mart hosted at Cambodia

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold the 37th PATA Travel Mart 2014, September 17-19 at Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the “Kingdom of Wonder.” The Mart is being hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia.

PTM 2014 will offer delegates the opportunity to buy and sell Asia Pacific travel products in an emerging destination that has diversified its tourist attractions and attracted double digit increases in arrivals over the last 10 years.

PATAmPower statistics show that in 2013 Cambodia’s visitor arrivals increased 8% to over 3.7 million. Tourism accounts for about 16% of Cambodia’s GDP, around US$2.5 billion per year.

In 2014 the first-ever Responsible Travel Pavilion will be a feature of the Mart. The Pavilion will provide a business platform for PATA members and travel industry players who are committed to responsible and sustainable travel. Companies and organizations with proven responsible and sustainable practices are invited to take space in the Responsible Travel Pavilion.

“There is a palpable spirit of optimism in Cambodia,” said PATA CEO, Martin Craigs. “I’m confident that spirit will be apparent on the PTM show floor in Phnom Penh. It will be the right time and place to new business.”

PTM 2013 in Chengdu, China, attracted 550 seller and 473 buyer delegates with over 10,000 business appointments conducted over the days. A similar or larger number are expected in Phnom Penh.

PATA Travel Mart brings together outbound tour operators, wholesalers and specialty travel agents from around the globe. Through scheduled appointments they do business at PTM with inbound tour operators, destination management companies, travel agents, hotels and other related travel companies.

Small as well as big companies are welcome. First launched in PTM 2013, the MicroEnterprise Pavilion serves companies or family business with five to 10 employees operating on US$25,000 or less in start-up capital.

Access to Phnom Penh is easy. The airport is located 10 kilometres or 15-40 minutes from the city centre where the convention centre is located. There are international direct flights to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, Beijing, Doha, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Nanning, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Vientiane, and Yangon.

Foreign visitors are now able to obtain a Cambodian visa online easily or upon arrival at the airport. Visitors can get an e-visa online. Instead of applying through a Cambodian embassy, the process is quickly done online at evisa.mfaic.gov.kh.

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New Direct Routes Between Cambodia And Japan

Prime Minister Hun Sen says Japan will introduce direct flights to and from Cambodia this year, a move that should boost trade, investment and tourism between the two nations.

The PM told local media that the flights should be introduced over the next six months.

An agreement was also inked last December between Cambodia and Japan that eases visa requirements for passport holders from both countries.

According to Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), no memorandum of understanding had been signed on flights, but it is most likely that Japan’s national flag carrier, Japan Airlines, would be the first to fly.

The Ministry of Tourism reported Cambodia received 165,359 Japanese tourists in the first 10 months of 2013 increasing 15.8% from 142,812 during the same period of 2012.

Japan’s direct investment in Cambodia reached about US$47.5 million in 2013, compared to US$328 million in 2012, a US$280 million drop, according to figures provided by the Japanese embassy in Phnom Penh.

Effective 11 December last year, Japanese and Cambodian passport holders were eligible for long-term and multiple-entry visas for a period of one to three years. The application criteria for long-term and multiple-entry visas will be decided independently.

Diplomatic passport holders were also granted an automatic 30-day visa stay in Cambodia and Japan.

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Cambodia’s tourism anchored to Angkor

More than 90% of tourists visiting Cambodia will end up at Siem Reap’s world heritage site Angkor Wat, despite efforts to open other areas of the country to tourism.

Officials attending the Asean Tourism Forum admitted that efforts to convince tour operators to include trips to other areas namely the Northeast and the coastal region around Sihanaoukeville have not met with much success.

They also conceded that UNESCO had warned authorities that Angkor Wat had reached its capacity ceiling and world heritage environment was at risk.

“The solution would be to move tourists to other heritage sites some of which pre-date Angkor Wat, promote coastal resorts, open tourism in the northeast particularly close to the Mekong River and destinations in southern Laos close to the border with Cambodia.”

But most visitors want to see the iconic Angkor Wat, which drives a runway expansion in hotel constructions and other facilities that could ultimately overwhelm heritage sites with mass tourism.

Tourist targets continue to be ambitious; 4.5 million visits in 2014 and 5 million in 2015 and climbing to 7.5 million by 2020.

While Cambodia positions itself as a cultural destination it has more casinos than any other ASEAN nation with 38 perched close to international borders and just one in the capital Phnom Penh. Many of the country’s overland tourist arrivals are travellers from neighbouring countries visiting casinos close to international borders.

The policy is to push the gambling business to borders well away from the main population areas. They are rarely promoted and officials say the single casino in Phnom Penh was allowed to stay open to offer entertainment for tourists.

Northeast Cambodia is the hot destination according to tourism officials. They want to push the Mekong Discovery Trail that highlights the endangered river dolphins. The route from there goes north into Laos to Pakse in Champasak province.

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Tourism booming in Cambodia

Cambodia’s tourist arrivals registered a 14.9% growth in October 2013 according to the country’s statistics and tourist information department.

The country attracted 334,410 visits compared to 290,959 during the same month in 2012.

Released by the Ministry of Tourism, last week, data showed Vietnam led the field with 67,459 visits increasing 15.0% from 58,671 during the same month in 2012.

Other top source markets were: China (36,676; +18.7%); Laos (36,431; +51.1%); South Korea (29,676; -4.7%); and Thailand (22,129; -2.1%).

In October, 46.7% (156,060) of all international visitors arrived by airline. Siem Reap Airport received the major share, 26.3% (88,072). Phnom Penh Airport gained a market share of 20.3% (67,988) mainly business travellers who needed to contact government departments or budget travellers who starting or finishing their overland trips.

Overland travel accounts for 51.2% (171,198) travel through checkpoints with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam while sea travel is a small at 2.1% (7,152).

In addition, the data showed tourist arrivals to Siem Reap province, home of Angkor Wat, posted a share of 58.7% attracting 196,263 visits, while arrivals to Phnom Penh and other destinations accounted be 41.3% welcoming 138,147.

By region, Asia Pacific accounted for a 78.3% market share and posted a growth of 14.0% supporting 261,970 visits.

Oceania grew 25.0% to 12,543 followed by Europe (+22.3%; 51,462), Americas (+12.5%; 19,858), the Middle East (-18.9%; 688), and Africa (-22.6%; 432).

Outbound trips by Cambodians in October reached 78,287 increasing 11.1% from 70,435 during the same month in 2012.

For January to October, the country welcomed 3,391,621 internatoinal travellers improving 18.2% from 2,868,499 visits during the same period in 2012.

Outbound trips reached 722,680 growing 10.1% for the first 10 months of 2013 year compared to 656,240 trips in 2012.

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen said tourism is an important agenda item for the sustainable development of the country’s economy.

“In spite of a worldwide economic slowdown during the last two years, Cambodia enjoyed continuous tourism growth. The country will welcome 4.2 million foreign visitors in 2013.”

The PM added: “Tourism development is a priority for the government to achieve sustainable development of cultural and natural heritage sites.”

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Easy Visa Between Myanmar and Cambodia

The visa exemption agreement was signed by Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister U Tin Oo Lwin and Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar Sieng Burvuthin.

Myanmar and Cambodia have agreed on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders to simplify the procedures of citizens’ travelling and strengthening existing friendly ties.

The agreement was signed by Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister U Tin Oo Lwin and Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar Sieng Burvuthin.

Earlier, Myanmar Airways International (MAI) opened an air route between Yangon city and the Cambodia ancient city of Siem Reap in February 2011. The service was extended to reach the Cambodian capital city of Phnom Penh in November that year, helping foster the two countries’ links in tourism, culture, trade and investment.

In another development, Myanmar’s House of Representatives Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann will lead a delegation to Cambodia from December 19-22 to beef up bilateral ties.

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Marathon 2014 In Angkor Wat

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia is awaiting formal Royal Government approval to organise the Kingdom’s first full marathon in September next year around the world famous Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap.

It is probably what is still missing around Siem Reap and Angkor Wat: a full marathon of 42 km along the ruins of the majestic temples of Angkor Wat. Cambodia’s most famous architectural and cultural icon already is home to an international half marathon which will take place on December 1st. But if every runs as planned, the site will by next September see its first full marathon.

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia started to work on an itinerary as well as on logistics last January. Proposed routes are due to be announced and should take the participants through some most spectacular landscapes of the antique city. The enthusiasm of future participants is already palpable. As soon as the news went around announcing the future full marathon, some 100 overseas runners already confirmed their participation.

According to NOCC secretary general Vath Chamroeun to the local newspaper Phnom Penh Post, the NOCC is already ready with the organization’s plan. “We are in the process of finalising the sponsors. The route has already been worked out. For years, national and international runners have been craving for a full marathon. We have sent the proposal and the blueprint to the Royal Government and we expect formal approval soon. The annual Angkor Wat International Half Marathon will continue and now we offer another exciting option and open another big window of opportunity to help charitable causes,” Chamroeun explained to the newspaper.

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Swing Penh’s Official Launch Weekend in 2013

The launch of Swing Penh means all new dance nights at some of Phnom Penh’s best venues and most exciting of all, an incredible swing dance teacher in Janice Wilson. Not your average Phnom Penh dance teacher, Janice has travelled twelve countries performing, choreographing and teaching dance. She has toured with the likes of Michael Buble and Wynton Marsalis, features in a Natalie Merchant music video, and has even opened for Bill Cosby at Disney World. Janice teaches with cheek and character and lessons with her are never dull.

Swing Penh’s Official Launch Weekend, held Fri 27 - Sun 29 September, will offer the city a taste of what’s to come with Swing Workshops led by local and international instructors, dance nights with the talents of local DJ Invisible Agent and jazz band Kin, and daytime poolside brunch events, all hosted around central Phnom Penh.

Swing Penh’s launch weekend is about celebrating their re-branding as well as showing the city what swing is all about. “We're determined to take advantage of the incredible Jazz musicians that the Penh offers. We're extremely fortunate to have such succulent talent in such a small pond. They swing hard and they deserved to be danced to.” local instructor, Janice Wilson says

Swing is a great way to meet other people and a fun way to improve fitness. It’s not a woman’s world either. “I think most men are surprised at what swing offers” says Janice, “It's a strenuous interval work-out. And leveraging a chick takes a good bit of muscle. We also can't ignore that boys who swing are surrounded by girls. And all the girls want to be held.”

Swing Penh don’t take themselves too seriously either. “We're not some retro cult. We just love live jazz music. And even better, we love moving to live jazz music. And to take it up just one more notch, we love drinking and moving to live jazz music”.

Throughout the year, as well as plotting more swing events, Swing Penh will be hosting regular swing lessons for beginners every Tuesday night at Doors. Classes will be free for the month of September but are usually $3.00 per lesson. A Swing Penh loyalty card will get you ten lessons for $25.00.

Tuesday swing-outs will not just be for beginners. Swing Penh’s plan includes introducing intermediate classes and after lessons every Tuesday night the social dancing begins for adept dancers to show off their moves on the dance floor and beginners to practise their new found skills.

The press is invited to attend any launch event at no cost to write a firsthand account of the event.

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ICC Angkor Conference To Be Held In Cambodia, December 2013

Cambodia will host meetings of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of Historic Site of Angkor (ICC-Angkor) and the 3rd Inter-Governmental Conference in December this year in Siem Reap province with an aim to gather international support for the protection and preservation of Angkor archaeological site.

The information was made known here on June 7 at a meeting between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers H.E. Sok An with Japanese Ambassador H.E. Yuji Kumamaru, French Ambassador H.E. Serge Mostura and UNESCO Representative to Cambodia H.E. Ms. Anne Lemaistre, according to Mr. Ek Tha, spokesman for the Press and Quick Reaction Unit at the Council of Ministers.

On the occasion, the Cambodian DPM expressed his profound appreciation to the Governments of France and Japan for their continuing support to safeguard Angkor, which also contributes to the socio-economic development of Cambodia.

H.E. Sok An has also expressed appreciation to the international community for injecting some $250 million of assistance for the temples’ restoration since 1993 and for working so successfully as to have ICC-Angkor seen as a model for such cooperation in the field of world heritage.

Angkor was first inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992. A year later, the first Inter-Governmental Conference, the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor (ICC-Angkor), was set up to protect, preserve and develop this vast cultural heritage site.

In 2003, the 2nd Inter-Governmental Conference held in Paris Conference spelled out guidelines on heritage and sustainable development.

Since the establishment of the ICC-Angkor, more than 60 temple restoration projects have been or are being implemented in Siem Reap province, the home of Angkor, with support from 17 countries and 28 international organizations.

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Arrivals to Angkor gain in Q1

Siem Reap provincial tourism department reports visitors to Angkor Wat, January to March, reached 694,700, an 8% increase over the same period last year.

For the first quarter of this year, South Korea, China and Vietnam were the top three strongest markets according to the report released Wednesday.

South Korea led the field increasing 8% to 142,040 followed by China with a growth of 77% to 87,104, but Vietnam declined 39% to 45,760 visits.

In addition, Thai visitors increased 28% to 28,300, while Laos supplied 27,350 visits representing a slight growth of 1%.

Siem Reap provincial tourism department administration chief, Chhoeuy Chhorn, told Chinese media Xinhua: “China overtook Vietnam to become the second largest tourist source during the first three months of this year.”

The sharp rise in Chinese tourists to Cambodia was mainly due additional direct flights between Cambodia and China and the support of promotional tours.

The government-private sector working group on tourism co-chair, Ho Vandy, said an easy visa process, direct flights and stronger promotions in Chine helped to create demand.

“In the tourism working group, we have studied the visa application and how to make it easier to apply for Chinese visitors.”

In addition, he said he is not too concerned by the drop in Vietnamese visitors and expects the year-end figures to increase.

The entrance fees to Angkor Wat are US$20 for international visitors per day, US$40 for a three-day visit, and US$60 for a week visit.

Last year, Angkor Wat attracted 2.06 million foreign visitors, up 27.95% compared to 1.61 million in 2011.

The temple was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.

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Mystery of Angkor Wat Temple's Huge Stones Solved

Angkor Wat

From Threeland Travel's Blog - July 2012

The massive sandstone bricks used to construct the 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat were brought to the site via a network of hundreds of canals, according to new research.

The findings shed light on how the site's 5 million to 10 million bricks, some weighing up to 3,300 pounds (1,500 kilograms), made it to the temple from quarries at the base of a nearby mountain.

"We found many quarries of sandstone blocks used for the Angkor temples and also the transportation route of the sandstone blocks," wrote study co-author Estuo Uchida of Japan's Waseda University, in an email.

In the 12th century, King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire began work on a 500-acre (200 hectare) temple in the capital city of Angkor, in what is now Cambodia. The complex was built to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, but 14th-century leaders converted the site into a Buddhist temple.

Archaeologist knew that the rock came from quarries at the base of a mountain nearby, but wondered how the sandstone bricks used to build Angkor Wat reached the site. Previously people thought the stones were ferried to Tonle Sap Lake via canal, and then rowed against the current through another river to the temples, Uchida told LiveScience.

To see whether this was the case, Uchida's team surveyed the area and found 50 quarries along an embankment at the base of Mt. Kulen. They also scoured satellite images of the area and found a network of hundreds of canalsand roads linking the quarries to the temple site. The distance between the quarries and the site along the route Uchida's team found was only 22 miles (37 kilometers), compared with the 54 miles (90 km) the river route would have taken.

The grid of canals suggests the ancient builders took a shortcut when constructing the temple, which may explain how the imposing complex was built in just a few decades.

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Cambodia hosts int’l food, hotel exhibition to promote tourism

Khmer Food

From Threeland Travel's Blog - July 2012

A three-day international food and drinks and hotel exhibition opened here on Wednesday in a fresh move of the Cambodian government to promote eco-tourism in the country. The exhibition attracted over 150 companies including those from the United States and Singapore, said Mohamed Mahyunddin Mohd Dahan, chairman of the AMB Events Malaysia, which organized the event. “It is the largest gathering of hospitality industry professionals in Cambodia,” he said.

“Over 10,000 trade visitors are expected to attend this event where they can see a showcase of a complete range of equipment, supplies and technology for the hospitality industry.” Cambodia’s Tourism Minister Thong Khon said at the opening of the exhibition that food service was the ample corner for tourism development and identity of culture. “Khmer food is known for its subtle taste, and Cambodian cooks are praised for the fantastic creativeness to meet the satisfaction of national and international tourists,” he said.

During the exhibition, the Cambodia Restaurant Association would present competitions including the culinary, bartender, cake decoration, barista and bed making contests. About 2.3 million international tourists visited Cambodia in the first eight months of this year, up 24 percent from a year earlier.

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New border crossing in Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear Temple

From Threeland Travel's Blog - August 2012

The Cambodian government is seeking a new international border checkpoint in Preah Vihear province to link with Thailand’s Ubun province, officials say.

Preah Vihear provincial governor Um Mara said officials from both countries had met to examine the possibility of opening a new international checkpoint.

“These days, this gateway is open only two days a week, but we want it to become an international checkpoint that is open every day of the week,” Mara said.

There is no scheduled deadline to open the new international checkpoint, to be named Anses, because discussions are still in the early stages.

“We are preparing the infrastructure there first, but the opening date is unknown at this time,” Mara said.

When the gateway becomes an international checkpoint, it will allow more goods to be transported through, and tourism in the province would soar as a result.

Kong Vibol, director of the Tourism Department in Preah Vihear province, said the Preah Vihear temple was only a 60-kilometre drive from Anses.

Ho Vandy, co-chair of the Tourism Task Force of the Government-Private Forum, said he welcomed the news.

Opening the gateway would open the area up to the tourism industry, as associations have suggested since March, 2008.

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