Siem Reap: Approved by Prime Minister Hun Sen back in March, the "Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan for 2021-2035” has been officially launched by Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth. The Master Plan comes right after the government announced it was easing quarantine rules for foreign travellers, many of whom have Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat on their itinerary.

The Tourism Development Master Plan proposes strategies to increase the tourism attractiveness of the whole of Siem Reap province, not just Angkor Wat and its temples. By promoting a variety of recreational activities, including cultural attractions and natural sites, the Ministry of Tourism hopes that travellers will extend their stays in Siem Reap beyond the current average of three days.

Terms such as "clean, green and smart" tourism are the main strategic objectives of the Master Plan. New infrastructure can already be seen, with 38 roads being built on a $150 million budget. They’ll be complete before year-end. Another nine kilometers of river are also being renovated in Siem Reap’s downtown area. High-level tourists are the main focus of development, to increase income by promoting luxury tourism. Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, says the Master Plan is in alliance with sustainable development strategies and the promotion of tourism during and after the pandemic.

It all comes at an appropriate time, when the Royal Government has shortened quarantine periods. Since Monday, fully-vaccinated tourists need stay quarantine for only 7 days before travelling around the country. Businesspeople and diplomats need quarantine for only three days. Officials hope the future guidelines will give Siem Reap global recognition for the conservation of its cultural and natural heritage. The royal government aims to have 10.9 million domestic tourists annually by 2035, in addition to 7.5 million international travellers. $6 billion from tourism is expected to be generated across Siem Reap, with up to a million direct jobs created.