Tourism Showing the Strain From Thai Crisis

Ros Sothea, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
Wednesday, 26 May 2010

With Thailand in the grips of a sustained political crisis, the Cambodian government has had to seek new strategies to draw in tourists and avoid relying on Bangkok as a gateway. But at least some damage has already been done.

Typically, around 40 percent of Cambodia’s 2 million visitors come through Thailand. But Tourism Minister Thong Khon told VOA Khmer that number is decreasing.

“Because of the situation in Thailand, we’re promoting other entrances,” he said. “In the past, we’ve advertised only on CNN in Europe and CNN in Asia, but in the near future we will advertise on CNN in America. And we have to promote direct flights and strengthen the quality of tourism services like food and accommodation.”

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