Improving the country’s infrastructure remains one of the key formulas to promote Cambodia as a standalone tourist destination, according to subject experts.
According to them, boosting overall infrastructure will make even remote destinations within the country accessible, carving out a fresh image for the country on the global tourism map.
Speaking to Khmer Times, Naveen Prabhakar, a tourism expert based in Bangkok, who earlier handled the Southeast Asian division for Saltours International, a global tour operator, said while the Cambodian landscape remains equally beautiful and attractive, Vietnam and Thailand attracted millions more tourists from across the world.
“The core difference lies in infrastructure. Both Vietnam and Thailand, the major competitors as well as tourism partners of Cambodia in the region, undoubtedly, have better infrastructure and better connectivity.”
He said, however, things are set to change with the Royal Government implementing long-term infrastructure development plans. “We are hopeful to see the unveiling of more exclusive Cambodia travel packages other than the ones tied with Thailand, Vietnam or Malaysia in the future.”
The opening of the country’s first expressway between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville in the year 2022 was a milestone followed by projects such as the Bavet-Phnom Penh Expressway as well as plans to create new highways between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and from Phnom Penh to Poipet.
Significant work is also being put into improving the nation’s national roads, Din Somethearith, president of Cambodia Tourism Federation (CTF), was quoted by TTG Asia Magazine, in its latest report on Cambodian tourism. He added that these infrastructure initiatives will play a major role in transforming Cambodia into a standalone destination. “Visitors will be able to access places such as Koh Kong, Battambang, and Pursat.”
Sinan Thourn, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association of Cambodia, noted that infrastructure development not only allows visitors to experience more remote areas but also plays a role in providing communities living in those areas with the chance to tap into the tourism dollar. “Improved connectivity will encourage more tourists to explore remote areas, enhancing their overall experience and boosting local economies,” he noted.
Despite high levels of enthusiasm, the road ahead is not smooth. According to YCP Solidiance, one of Cambodia’s leading advisory and management consulting firm, there are a myriad of challenges in the country’s infrastructure.
“Cambodia’s infrastructure growth has been slowing due to outdated regulations keeping it behind global standards, affecting the modernisation rate and driving up costs. To address this, investment in updated technologies can sidestep regulatory, revisiting compliance framework to spark faster, competitive growth with adaptable infrastructure conditions.
“The other challenges include shortage of skilled labour, over-dependence on foreign expertise and uneven growth in urban areas.”
As estimated by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Cambodia needs an investment capital of around $36 billion to implement the master plan for infrastructure developments in short, medium and long terms during the period ranging between 2025 and 2033.
