PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, has reminded the sub-national administration and the private tourism sector, to promote and implement the measures of the Royal Government to prevent, protect and maintain safety and to trust and provide comfort to tourists traveling in Cambodia, in order to contribute to the promotion of "Cambodia as a safe and warm tourism destination". He has particularly requested all tour operators to think of new business models adapted to the current socio-economic situation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Fair at the Morodok Techo National Stadium Wednesday evening, Minister Thong Khon made a number of proposals to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the stability and the sustainability of tourism business bases and tourism destinations in Cambodia, especially in regard to welcoming tourists for the upcoming Khmer New Year.

He urged all tour operators and stakeholders to continue paying close attention to the implementation of safety rules and the minimum standard operating procedures for tourism set by the Ministry of Tourism, as well as to continue responsibly adhering to the safety rules established by the Royal Government. He also suggested that all stakeholders, especially tour operators, should adapt and modify their business models in line with the context of the ‘New Normal’, with continued vigilance and in conjunction with the implementation of applicable safety measures.

He said, "All stakeholders in the tourism industry need to consider a new business model to adapt to the current socio-economic situation, including the need to transform tourism services through digitalization and the use of technology, the need to strengthen the hygiene and safety quality of services and tourism products, and to strengthen overall capacity and increase productivity."

The Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh, Keo Sok Pisey, also spoke at the ceremony and requested Phnom Penh residents and all tourists to continue actively participating in the implementation of the "3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts" health measures to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 and ensure the stability and sustainability of the tourism services in Phnom Penh, especially during the upcoming Khmer New Year.

The Deputy Governor also requested all tourism business owners to continue following the minimum standard operating procedures according to the types of services they offer, with high responsibility.

Cambodia announced the launch of the "Cambodia: Safe and Green Tourism Destinations" campaign on 27 January to ensure the success of the international tourism re-launch ahead of celebrations that will be regarded on the international stage, such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, and other major events that will be hosted by Cambodia.

The campaign also includes the Capital-Provincial Tourism and Green Destination Campaign, which aims to encourage the Capital-Provincial Administration's efforts to implement tourism safety rules and implement minimum standard operating procedures along the Royal Government’s ‘new normal trajectory’.