With India’s economy on the boom and direct flights underway, the Kingdom’s tourism industry stands to benefit from the Asian giant’s economic growth, with numbers expected to shoot up four times, a top official from Cambodia’s tourism ministry said on Saturday in Mumbai on the sidelines of an international exhibition.
Hul Seila, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism told the media during the Business, Leisure, Travel and MICE Tourism Exhibition 2024 (BLTM) that India’s burgeoning economy spells good tidings for Cambodia’s tourism industry as well.
He expressed optimism that the escalation of visitor numbers from India could go up to three to four times the current figures.
The Under Secretary mentioned the launch of the Cambodia-India Tourism Year in June “to tap the Indian market which has potential, as the country’s tourism is booming”. He said that the positive momentum currently unfolding will generate greater tourist numbers from India.
Seila explained that in 2023, a total of 68,836 Indian tourists visited Cambodian shores. This figure is more than 91 percent of the pre-Covid figures. Back in 2019, however, Indian tourists totalled 75,286.
In the current year, from January to June, the figure has reached an impressive 32,000-33,000. This translates into an increase of 17 percent from the corresponding period a year earlier.
Four direct weekly flights currently connect the two countries, Seila said, adding that IndiGo is preparing to begin a flight in November linking India with Siem Reap. “This will take the total number of direct flights between India and Cambodia to five per week and will help in attracting Indian travellers to our country,” he said.
Making special mention of the Hindu temple in Phnom Kulen, Sokhom Sam OL, Executive Director, Siem Reap Tourism Club Association (STC) told Khmer Times on Sunday, “In recent years, we’ve witnessed Indian wedding ceremonies in Siem Reap, as well as visits from Indian religious leaders such as Sadhguru who brought hundreds of thousands of guests and followers. These events not only boost tourism but also reflect the historic ties between India and Cambodia. It’s worth noting that many former religions in Cambodia were influenced by India.”
Chhay Sivlin, President of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) sees great potential for hosting Indian business events, “leveraging its growing infrastructure and strategic location in Southeast Asia. With the development of suitable facilities and accommodations, Cambodia can attract Indian business travellers for conferences, trade shows and corporate events”.
Jeremie Clement, General Manager, Peninsula Phnom Penh said, “Hotels should also make special efforts to cater to Indian dietary preferences. They need to provide diverse food options, including vegetarian and culturally specific dishes, to meet the needs of Indian tourists.”
Cambodia should launch a targeted communication campaign in India that focuses on destination awareness, said Jean-Benoit Lasselin, Managing Partner, C4 Adventures. This campaign could highlight the unique cultural heritage, historical sites, and vibrant experiences Cambodia offers. By highlighting the common history between Cambodia and India, the campaign can appeal directly to Indian travellers’ interests.
Seila pointed out that Cambodia is already offering visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals. Visa can also be availed from its embassy in New Delhi or in the form of e-Visa.
Cambodia mainly attracts Indians for leisure, religious and medical treatment purposes. The Under Secretary added that Cambodia is looking to further diversify its lure for Indian visitors.
