As Cambodia Is Set to Welcome Vaccinated Tourists, Challenges Lie Ahead
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22 December 2021 20:52 WIB
Reopening for fully vaccinated tourists
Cambodia is one of the countries that have vaccinated most of its population. As of Nov. 5, 2021, around 13.9 million people, or 86.87 percent of the total population, have been inoculated against COVID-19. With such high level of vaccination, Cambodia is ready to welcome travelers again after two years of disruption.
Cambodia will open its door for fully vaccinated travelers in late November 2021 in a bid to revive the tourism industry—its once biggest source of revenues and employment. In what will be the first phase of reopening, travelers from all over the world will be allowed to visit the coastal Sihanoukville and Koh Rong cities in Preah Sihanouk Province and the Dara Sakor Resort in Koh Kong Province in a quarantine-free scheme aiming at bringing tourists back.
Siem Reap Province, where the Angkor Archeological Park is located, will welcome fully vaccinated tourists in January 2022.
If the Stage 1 reopening produces the expected results, Stage 2 will begin for visitors to travel to other areas considered safe. Full reopening for all vaccinated tourists or Stage 3 will follow if the previous stages show positive results.
During a ceremony held on Oct. 28, 2021, to introduce the Implementation of the Strategic Plan on Adoption of Vaccine Tourism, Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said that this plan and the roadmap for tourism recovery will turn Cambodia into a qualified, safe, and sustainably developed tourism destination in a new normal and in accordance with the concept of transforming challenges into opportunities.
Neb Samouth, director-general of Tourism Industry at the Ministry of Tourism, said that Cambodia intends to restore and boost the tourism sector, the goal being to welcome 7 million international tourists by 2025 and around 11 million domestic tourists in 2023 by implementing the Roadmap for Recovery of Cambodia Tourism During and Post COVID-19, and the plan for vaccinated tourists.
Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, president of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), called the reopening project a bold move while highlighting the nature of the pandemic situation, which is dynamic and must be treated by managing the risks associated with COVID-19.
Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga is the president of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA). Photo by ASEANTA
“The travel and tourism industries suffered the most, due to border closure or enhancing restrictions, and the government has no more resources to provide incentives,” he said in an email interview. “So, reopening the border through certain measures is the best option available for restarting the economy of a country, particularly for travel and tourism-related industries recover.”
For self-employed workers in the field such as Savin and Sytha, this reopening means a lot and, after more than two years of struggling, they are ready to welcome tourists again.
“Not only tour guides but also traders are very happy with this [reopening] plan,” Sytha said. “I sincerely hope that things can return to normal as soon as the government allows foreign flights to key areas in Cambodia based on certain conditions.”
With these reopening plans, Saay of the Viroth’s Hotel believed that Cambodia has prepared for the return of vaccinated tourists with a solid foundation and confidence.
“We have been resting for two years and have been training to get well-prepared…for gradual reopening. Hence, this is an opportunity rather than risk,” he stressed.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said that, while reopening will take place in different stages, the recovery will happen the same way and the private sector needs to prepare as well.
“Since the announcement of plans to reopen, private operators are taking step…like contacting overseas clients and [developing] visit packages for tourists,” Sivlin said.
President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, Chhay Sivlin speaks during an interview with Thmey Thmey. Doc.: Cambodianess