Siem Reap, April 18, 2024 – Siem Reap welcomed an impressive total of 1,239,808 visitors during the four-day Khmer New Year celebrations, according to a report from the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism. The tally included 16,808 international guests and 1,223,000 national tourists and locals.

The Siem Reap Provincial Administration, in collaboration with the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia in Siem Reap and other relevant institutions, organized the Siem Reap Sankranti event. This celebration, held from April 13 to 16, 2024, featured a rich array of programs designed to foster appreciation for Khmer culture, civilization, traditions, and customs.

Participants, particularly the youth, expressed that the event not only offered a joyous occasion for community gathering but also a profound educational experience showcasing the rich tapestry of Khmer cultural heritage through traditional games and performances. These activities not only entertained but also deepened visitors' understanding of Cambodia's cultural legacy.

Furthermore, attendees highlighted the significant role such events play in boosting local tourism and the economy. They voiced a strong desire for more frequent cultural events in Siem Reap, emphasizing their importance in enhancing the province’s economic vitality.

The inauguration of the Siem Reap Sankranti event was marked by a speech from General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense. He underscored the event's crucial role in inspiring Cambodians, particularly the younger generation, to cherish and promote their cultural heritage. He emphasized that such events are key to preserving national identity and fostering national pride.