Several provinces are hosting or planning boat races to attract domestic and international tourists to enjoy the festivities.
Povinces of Kampong Cham, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Kandal, Prey Veng, and Kampong Thom have confirmed that they have either held or will hold the festival.
Top Sopheak, Spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism, said yesterday that the government instructed each province to hold water festival activities to attract tourists.
“It is a common policy of the government, especially for the riverine provinces, to hold events to attract tourists,” he said.
“What is important is to create a variety of events to attract more tourists in addition to existing tourism products.” Sopheak said.
“As a general guideline of the government, each local authority can organise their own events to increase tourism,” he added.
He said that when tourists visit they benefit the local economy and help improve the livelihoods of the local people.
Nong Vuthy, deputy director of Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration, said yesterday that every year, the province holds a Water Festival, and this year it will be on October 26 and 27.
The director of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Department of Tourism, Seng Saly, said yesterday that this year, Kampong Chhnang province has not set a specific date for the Water Festival.
However, he said that in the past, the department has done a lot of work to attract tourists.
“We have worked hard with the community to attract tourists to the community-owned eco-tourism areas. We advertise the areas, the route, travel time, and provide information of the most attractive places to visit in the province,” Saly said.
He added that during Pchum Ben, Khmer New Year, and major national holidays many tourists visit the province.
Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said yesterday that during the festival each province strives to beautify the landscape and promote local products and the traditions of the province to tourists.
“Tourist are very particular about food, so make sure the service and hygiene is good,” Sivlin said,
“The promotion of local produce and goods helps to increase employment in the community, and promote the identity of each province,” she added.
She said that all provinces in Cambodia are attractive and have their own specific identities.
“In addition to cleanliness, hygiene, and safety, we also need to show good hospitality; each authority should provide training to local service providers to give them a better understanding of hospitality and the services needed for tourists during their stay,” she added.
In September, Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that the 2024 Water Festival is expected to be larger and more joyful than previous years.
The Water Festival is one of Cambodia’s largest and most important celebrations. Typically, it takes place in November over three days and marks the end of both the rainy season and the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River.
Source: khmertimeskh
