Opening Remarks
by
H.E. Dr. SOK An, Deputy Prime Minister
Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, and
High Representative of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia
at the Opening Ceremony of “the 12th East Asia Inter-regional Tourism Forum and its General Assembly”
Siem Reap, 29th November 2012
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- H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia,
- H.E. Dr. Sou Phirin, Governor of Siem Reap,
- Governors and Deputy Governors from Member Countries,
- Distinguished National and International Guests,
- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
First of all, on behalf of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN,
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I would like to warmly
welcome all delegates to Siem Reap, in particular to Angkor, the home of
the World Heritage site and the Cultural City of East Asia 2012. I am
delighted and honored to participate in today’s opening ceremony of “the 12th East Asia Inter-regional Tourism Forum and its General Assembly”.
On this occasion, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the
inter-ministerial committee, especially to the personnel of the Siem
Reap provincial office, for organizing this important event. I sincerely
thank you all, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, for your active
participations in this forum. This gathering coincides with the time
when we Cambodians have been deeply saddened by the passing away of
Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King-Father of National Independence,
Territorial Integrity and National Unity.
The theme of today’s forum on “East Asia Optimizing Sustainable Green Tourism”
is significant and very timely as it reflects the contemporary issues
of regional as well as global interests, in particular in minimizing the
negative impact of tourism on culture, society and the environment. The
awareness of such impacts is being enhanced for sustainable
development. Green tourism also promotes the cultural preservation and
integrity of local people, and contributes to the heritage preservation
and conservation. In addition to evaluating environmental and cultural
factors, an integral part of green tourism is the promotion of
recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and the creation of
economic opportunities for local communities. Tree preservation and
planting will also contribute significantly to promoting the green
tourism, especially the concept of “One Tourist – One Tree or Planting Tree Starting from you”
of which promotes and contributes significantly to green tourism. We
also drive the reduction campaign of flying plastic bags before 2015 by
using 3Rs formula (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) in line with the high
recommendations of Samdech Techo Prime Minister.
The topics for discussion and choice of Siem Reap city as the venue for
the event are fitting as the city is surrounded by nature and unspoiled
environment and the home to a historically-treasured and cultural
heritage. By hosting this important forum, Cambodia is honored to take
the opportunity to showcase itself on the world stage to the
distinguished audience.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
We are fortunate to inherit great historical, cultural and natural
heritage, especially the Angkor Complex. For us Cambodians, Angkor
remains as a center of our national identity and spirit and will
continue to be the important core of our great culture and civilization.
The three spires of Angkor Wat are depicted in the center of our
national flag. Paintings of Angkor Wat are found everywhere in Cambodia,
including public buildings, offices, and private dwellings.
Cambodia has numerous tourist attractions suitable for cultural
tourism. It is also endowed with an abundance of natural attractions and
beautiful natural environment, including forests, rivers, lakes,
world-rated beaches, offshore islands and wildlife, especially the rare
Mekong River dolphins. Our country has a long history with prosperous
civilization and culture. Khmer ancestors have left us with numerous
tangible and intangible assets such as temples, arts, and traditional
dances. With these, Cambodia undoubtedly has a comparative advantage in
tourism which continues to blossom and contributes to the development of
the service sector.
With the cultural as well as natural attractions, a large number of
international standard three to five star hotels (over 400 hotels
countrywide, particularly over 100 hotels in Siem Reap) and resorts and
the ‘open-skies’ policy initiated by Samdech Prime Minister HUN SEN,
the number of tourist arrivals has significantly increased to 2.88
million in 2011 from around 118 thousand in 1993. For the period of 10
months this year, we witnessed around 2.8 million international tourist
arrivals to Cambodia with an increase of 23.7%; of which over 1.6
million to Siem Reap with an increase of 57.4%. This represents a
double-digit increase of 26.8% at national level and 34.9% in Siem Reap,
compared to the same period last year. We expect to receive 3.3 million
international tourists by the end of the year; of which Siem Reap
around millions. On 3rd December 2012 we will celebrate a
congratulatory ceremony for arrival of the two million visitors by air
to Siem Reap. Thanks to our rich cultural and natural heritage, great
civilization, political stability, security and safety countrywide, we
envision to receive 4.5 million international tourists by 2015 and 7
million by 2020.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
The East Asia inter-regional Tourism Forum, founded 12 years ago, is an
ideal forum for enhancing regional cooperation and promoting mutual
assistance in many areas. In 2009, Cambodia became a member of the
forum. Since then, cooperation among member countries has been further
grown, deepened and strengthened. Amongst the areas of socio-economic
cooperation and development, tourism has played a vital role in bringing
together and connecting the people from different parts of the world,
thus fostering people-to-people connectivity.
In concurrence with this steady growth of tourism, the Royal Government
has developed its strategic plan, especially the diversification and
development of tourism products by dispersing visitors to Tonle Sap
biosphere reserve, the 2nd World Heritage site Preah Vihear,
pole of ecotourism attraction and the coastal zone which became full
member of the Most Beautiful Bay in the World Club and was titled as
“Rising Star of the Southwest.” On the other hand, we have paid high
attention on green development, social order and public order at tourist
sites. The Royal Government has issued forth the competitive moment
campaign: Clean City, Clean Resort and Good Service, especially
the Tourist Clean Standard in which ASEAN adapts to this standard.
Moreover, we also focus on the eco-city development by preparing to have
pedestrian path, use of green technology and recycled energy.
In order to enhance the connectivity, further efforts and initiatives
are highly encouraged to organize more such tourism forums and cultural
events. Moreover, a stronger cooperation is needed to protect, preserve
and promote both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as
to ensure the tourism industry’s sustainable development.
This forum also reflects the tireless efforts and firm commitments of
the participating countries in promoting green tourism for sustainable
development. Concurrently, its related meetings such as Standing
Committee and Governor Conference are also being held in order to elicit
and establish suitable strategies to overcome challenges in their
respective tourism industry in the increasingly competitive tourism
market.
With the presence of experts in this area, I hope that, over the next
two days, ideas and experiences from their respective countries will be
shared and exchanged in order to preserve natural and cultural
attractions while reaping the benefits of tourism sector for promoting
sustainable economic development. I also understand that the forum will
discuss the topics related to facilitation of travels within member
countries, improvements of quality of tourism products, promotion of
trade in tourism service and investment in the sector, as well as close
collaboration in tourism sector through joint activities.
To achieve this, it requires the involvement of a wide range of areas
such as the management of facilities and resources. The local community
can make contributions by becoming the owners of green facilities
themselves; concerned parties, private sector, civil society, youth and
governments should work closely to ensure that a proper balance is
struck between conservation, access and business opportunities.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I wish to once again
express my sincere thanks to the Inter-ministerial Committee for
organizing this important forum. I wish to encourage all local and
international participants and experts to exchange their ideas and
experiences. Research related to the promotion of sustainable green
tourism is particularly encouraged, with results published in
specialized scholarly journals. In this connection, the establishment of
EATOF Tourism Research and Education Center is welcome.
I wish you all fruitful discussions and a pleasant stay in Siem Reap, a
city rich in both natural and cultural heritage. Cambodia, especially
the city of Siem Reap will have the opportunity to welcome you again in
the near future.
I now declare the opening of the “12thEast Asia Inter-regional Tourism Forum and its General Assembly”.
Thank you!