PHNOM PENH: The 2022 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2022) hosted by Cambodia in Sihanoukville was held and closed successfully, as all participating delegates, sellers, buyers and members of national and international media were reported to have tested negative for Covid-19 upon their departure.

The Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, has confirmed, "As for the management of safety and health of guests, as of 22 January, all the delegates who attended the meeting returned have returned to their countries after PCR tests conducted for their departure from Sihanoukville did not find any positive cases of Covid-19 among anyone."

He added that the last group of foreigners left Cambodia after they testing negative for Covid-19 on 23 January, and only two international journalists, one from the United States and one from Ireland, have stayed in Phnom Penh to continue their visit.

He continued that some international delegates have sent messages of appreciation for ATF 2022 and thanked Cambodia for its hospitality and warm welcome. He also noted the enthusiasm some foreigners participating in ATF 2022 had for tourism in Cambodia, describing how a group of foreigners also went to visit the islands around Sihanoukville, the capital city Phnom Penh, and some even made their way to visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.

Minister Thong Khon further stated, "The Ministry of Tourism will disseminate this good information to the region and the world to promote safe tourism destinations in the country, while the Royal Government of Cambodia has recently announced the opening of ASEAN tourism at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022.”

The 40th ASEAN Tourism Forum was held from 16-22 January 2022 in Sihanoukville. All ASEAN member countries and the broader international community took part in the forum, including the ASEAN Secretary-General, the ASEAN Tourism Minister, the World Tourism Organization, and the embassies of many other countries. Minister Thong Khon has said that the international community has commended the Royal Government of Cambodia for its thorough management and control safety measures to protect the well-being of participating members from Covid-19 during their visit, making ATF 2022 a great success.

The Ministry of Tourism has also stressed that ATF 2022 was an important event in the official re-opening of tourism destinations in the ASEAN region, as well as for promoting Cambodia as a safe tourism destination, after tourism in South East Asia has been severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic for more than two years.