The celebrations of ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ began in New Delhi on Monday marking the arrival of the inaugural direct flight service by Cambodia Angkor Air between Phnom Penh and New Delhi.
Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia’s national carrier, began its first direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi on June 17. These flights are scheduled four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Many Cambodian delegates arrived in India on this inaugural flight, says a statement issued by the organisers.
According to the organisers, the Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Cambodia in 2015 and the work of joint working groups have laid a strong foundation for ongoing cooperation in tourism.
The statement adds that the fourth joint working group meeting held in February 2024 exemplified this commitment, focusing on key areas such as information exchange on tourist arrivals, infrastructure development, training programs in tourism and hospitality and exploring joint venture partnerships in the hotel industry.
The statement adds that the launch was officiated by Manisha Saxena, Director General of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism of India and Long Phirum, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia. The event was also attended by tour operators from both countries.
Saxena and Phirum emphasised the importance of this initiative. The statement adds that Phirum highlighted the designation of 2024 as ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ as a ‘significant milestone’. She also noted the celebration in Phnom Penh of the new direct air link between the two capitals.
“We are doing the roadshow with the objective to promote Cambodia in the Indian market. We want to invite Indians to come and visit our beautiful country. We will comeback again with other roadshows but we do not know the exact time. Our first agenda was to launch the ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ but we will comeback with other activities as well,” Phirum tells India Outbound.
The statement adds that Saxena expressed optimism that the new flight and the ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ will facilitate citizens of both countries in rediscovering their common heritage. She said it will boost economic opportunities for tourism businesses and enhance mutual prosperity and understanding.