SIEM REAP: The APSARA National Authority is working to launch a boat tour in the Jayatataka Baray (North Baray or Neak Poan Baray) and a cycling circuit in the “Jayatataka Baray Tourism Community," following recent consultations with the private sector and other stakeholders.

The consultation workshop for the project titled "Re-launch of the Jayatataka Baray Tourism Community," with the support of GIZ and coordination by UNESCO, was organized with stakeholders in Siem Reap last week, in the presence of the Deputy Director General of the APSARA National Authority, Long Kosal.

A total of 30 participants from the Department of Tourism, the Department of Environment, the Heritage Police Unit, the Tourism Police Unit, the Angkor Thom District Administration, the Angkor Thom District Tourism Association, the Association of Cambodian Travel Agents, the Tourist Guides Association, the Siem Reap Tourist Club, travel agents and travel agent companies, along with representatives of the Jayatataka Baray Tourism Community, took part in the workshop.

According to the APSARA National Authority, the program began with a test of the cycling circuit which goes from Takeo Temple and crosses through Ta Nei Temple and swing bridge across the Siem Reap River, the sluice gate of North Baray, the nursery station of the APSARA National Authority and Prasat Preah Khan.

Participants listened to a presentation on community organization and management, as well as on the boat and cycling tourism services that the Jayatataka Baray tourism community plans to set up, and also discussed and exchanged ideas with each other on “Pricing, services and stakeholder involvement with supporting community outreach and promotions."

“Cycling tours, exploring the natural landscape, absorbing fresh air, and exploring the Angkorian irrigation system, as well as the traditional boat tours in the Jayatataka Baray, are all new environmentally friendly tourism products of Angkor," stressed the APSARA authority.

The results of this fruitful consultation will be later summarized and presented to the leaders of the APSARA National Authority and the leaders of the Jayatataka Baray Tourism Community for review and decision.

^{SOURCE: AKP}