The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Khmer Artists Association, organized the second edition of the ‘Smile of Cambodia’, an initiative aiming to promote and attract tourists to Cambodia for the year-end, while also preparing for the anticipated arrival of visitors in 2025.
The Smile of Cambodia, being held on October 29-30, at Angkor Wat site features an extraordinary display highlighting the rich, long-standing culture and ancient civilization of Asia. It includes a grand parade with a marching band, over 500 renowned artistes and cultural performances within the Angkor temples—a historical and cultural event that has not been celebrated since ancient times.
In addition, there are exhibitions showcasing Khmer cuisine, traditional Khmer attire and souvenirs crafted by Cambodians.
The event, held under the theme ‘Together for Culture Tourism,’ was presided over by Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and Mao Chamnan, President of the Khmer Artists Association. It was attended by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, the Apsara National Authority, and numerous artistes.
Sackona said at the event that national and international tourists can learn more about Cambodian culture and traditions and take part in their preservation and promotion.
She said, “We have a lot of resources to show and attract tourists to our country. We need to spread the word about what Cambodians have and what they do not have in order to let others know and visit.”
Chamnan stated at Tuesday’s opening event that the initiative aims to promote Cambodia’s culture and civilisation while showcasing the country’s tourism potential to both national and international visitors. This effort seeks to support the government’s initiatives during its Seventh Mandate.
“We need to promote and attract tourists back to Cambodia. The gathering for the second Smile of Cambodia today represents a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to drive progress in all areas of the country,” she added.
Siem Reap Provincial Deputy Governor Dy Rado said that 2024 has been designated as the ‘Year to Visit Siem Reap’. This campaign, launched by the Royal Government of Cambodia under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet aims to promote tourism in the region.
He added that Siem Reap will continue to host major national and international meetings and events from various sectors, both domestic and foreign, through the end of 2024.
Socio-economic researcher Chey Tech told Khmer Times on Tuesday that this event is a great opportunity to promote Cambodia’s culture, traditions, and history. It will also attract tourists to Angkor Wat and the country as a whole, contributing to Cambodia’s economic growth.
“In order to promote economic growth and tourism in Cambodia, such events should be organized regularly according to the seasons and the traditional culture of Cambodia and Siem Reap,” said Tech.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has announced tax exemption for tourism-related businesses operating in Siem Reap province.
According to the ministry on Monday, the government has decided to offer tax incentives to all hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and travel agency owners in Siem Reap to further support the restoration of tourism in the area.
“There will be an exemption from all types of monthly taxes, except for VAT and accommodation tax, from July 2024 until the end of June 2025.
Additionally, there will be an exemption from income tax for the year 2024. For the income tax exemption, any amounts already paid will be credited towards the income tax for 2025,” said the statement.
Source: khmertimeskh
