PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Tourism plans to create a lifetime pass to Angkor Wat for foreign tourists, in order to attract more visitors to the ancient temple complex.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Siem Reap-Angkor Tourism Management and Development Committee on Monday, 8 August, the Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, has said that the Ministry of Tourism is consulting with relevant institutions and the private sector to launch a special tour package in Siem Reap, including a lifetime pass to Angkor Wat.

He said, "The Angkor Lifetime Pass, with the option to consider selling a ticket package (Angkor Pass Package), allows international tourists to visit the temple or other areas throughout their life, or ticket sales in the form of a Privileged Pass Package would allow international tourists to have access to priority tourism services and visit Angkor Wat for life, to attract tourists to visit the temples many times."

There are currently three options for visiting Angkor Wat: a one day ticket for US $37, three-day pass for US $62 and a seven-day pass for US $72. However, to encourage more tourists to visit Cambodia, tourists who buy a one-day ticket can visit the temples for five days, those who buy a three-day ticket can visit the temples for 10 days, and those who buy a seven-day ticket can continue to visit Angkor Wat for 30 days. Additionally, those who wish purchase more long-term tickets can visit Angkor Wat from two months to one year, valid until 31 December 2022.

As of the end of July 2022, Cambodia earned more than US $3.3 million from the sale of Angkor Wat tickets, an increase of more than 1,000% compared to the same period in 2021.