CNV: 28/02/2014
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished national and international guests,
Dear all participants,
Distinguished national and international guests,
Dear all participants,
It is my pleasure to attend the closing of the important 2012-2013
tourism stocktaking and direction setting conference: “Cambodia’
Tourism toward the ASEAN Integration 2015” and celebration of the
National Day of Clean City under the theme “Your Contribution to Clean
City”.
I
wish to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend the Ministry
of Tourism for the great success and performance. In fact, achievements
to date reflect our sense of responsibility, collective effort and
determination to promote the sustainability of tourism sector and
contribute to socio-economic development in accordance with the
Rectangular Strategy-Phase III.
Overall,
I view this regularly held conference as a mechanism for sharing
experience and recommendations aimed to enhance the effectiveness and
efficiency in implementing tourism-related policies, strategies, action
plans and measures. The conference is a good opportunity for gathering
to review progress, exchange ideas and views and put forward new policy
measures and targets for the coming years. In this spirit, I wish to
lend my full support to and encourage the management and officials of
the Ministry of Tourism to further strive to achieve new progress
contributing to sustainable socio-economic development.
Overall, I deeply appreciate and fully support the report by H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism a moment ago.
It
is clear that Cambodia is enjoying peace, political stability,
security, order in society and development in all sectors. Notably, we
recorded economic growth of 7.6% in 2013. GDP reached USD 15 billion and
GDP per capita increased to USD 1,036 in the same period. Moving
forward, economic growth is projected to exceed 7% per annum in 2014 and
in the medium term. This optimistic growth projection attests to
development in all sectors, especially agriculture, tourism, garment and
construction that provide impetus for GDP growth.
As
acknowledged by the UN, tourism is a socio-economic sector that helps
promote economic growth, employment, poverty reduction and reduction of
global warming and play an important role in regional integration.
Cambodia regards the tourism sector as green gold. In 2013, we welcomed
4.2 million inbound tourists, an increase of 17.5% compared to 2012,
with USD 2.5 billion of tourism revenue. The numbers of inbound tourists
are projected to reach 4.8 million and 6.1 million in 2015 and 2018
respectively followed by the projection of 7.5 million inbound tourists
in 2020 that will bring USD 5 billion to the economy and create 80,000
jobs.
In
addition, our tourism sector has been playing an important role in
promoting Cambodia’s reputation in the region and the world, through the
launch “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder” campaign and “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service” contest
movement. In this sense, the Royal Government is committed to further
developing tourism into a key sustainable sector for promoting
sustainable economic growth and Cambodia’s integration into the ASEAN.
Going forward, Cambodia as well as other ASEAN member countries is
firmly and aggressively moving toward shared prosperity. Economic growth
in ASEAN member countries, facilitation of cross-border transport and
connectivity of physical infrastructure along with facilitation of
cross-border movement of people, goods and services mean we have opened a
new chapter of regional tourism and ASEAN region is now considered a
very attractive and open tourist destination in the world. In
integrating its tourism sector into the region, Cambodia must keep
control of key pulses by centering on “Integration for Tourism, Tourism for Integration”
which requires all of us to focus on the blood vein of tourism sector.
Two key fundamentals, improved competitiveness and sustainability of
tourism development must be developed in parallel. In this sense, we
must grab new opportunities arising from regional and global tourism
developments and maximize our comparative advantages. Taking this
opportunity, I wish to commend and highly regard the Ministry of Tourism
for preparing “Strategic Tourism Development Plan 2012-2020” which set
out clear vision, strategic direction and concrete measures for
developing the national tourism sector in line with ASEAN Tourism
Strategic Plan 2012-2015 and the concept of ASEAN tourism integration
implemented by all ASEAN member countries on the basis of “think globally, plan regionally and act locally”.
Within
the national framework, integrating our tourism into the region
requires three components, viz. (1) promotion of tourism investment,
development of innovative and memorable tourism products and increase of
marketing and dissemination campaign; (2) strengthening of tourism
product quality and human resource development for tourism sector; and
(3) promotion of connectivity and facilitation of movement.
I
wish to take this opportunity to contribute to the development of
Cambodia’s tourism sector toward ASEAN integration 2015 by sharing with
you some of my views as follows:
First, further effort to develop creative and attractive tourism products and provide memorable experience to tourists:
the Ministry of Tourism must collaborate with related
ministries/institutions to create new tourism products in the four
priority tourism zones, viz.
(1) Phnom Penh and its surrounding areas :
The Ministry of Tourism must collaborate with the Phnom Penh
Municipality, ministries/institutions and the private sector to create
more tourism products and make tourist stay longer by linking Phnom Penh
to nearby resorts such as Udong, Koh Dach, Kampong Luong etc. In
addition, we need to create pedestrian zones, weekly high-end cultural
performance for tourists, boat expedition along the Mekong river, aerial
excursion over the Mekong river and so on. In addition, we need to
attract more investment in the construction of large commercial centers
such as the-soon-to-be-opened AEON Shopping Mall and PARKSON Asia’s
Leading Department Store because they are part of tourist attraction.
Moreover, we also need to make sure we are ready for hosting large
international events, tourism events included, by drawing participation
from all levels and all sectors to promote economic and political
interest and market Cambodia. In this sense, I wish to encourage further
investment in infrastructure for hosting international events,
especially in Phnom Penh and Siemreap. Taking this opportunity, I
welcome the organization of 5th International
Youth Conference in Cambodia on 1-7 August, jointly organized by the
Ministry of Tourism, Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, and World
Humanitarian Organization and the organization of Asia Pacific PATA
Travel in September 2014, as well as ASEAN investment forum, tourism
forum and International Conference on Community Tourism and so on.
(2) Siemreap-Angkor: the
Ministry of Tourism must collaborate with Apsara Authority, Siemreap
provincial authority, related ministries- institutions to ensure
effective implementation of the Angkor site management plan and tourism
diversification to Tonle Sap and surrounding areas as well as
organization of tourism and sport events. Taking this opportunity, I
wish to thank Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia for working with
related ministries/institutions to organize Angkor Sangkran 2013. The
second Angkor Sangkran is planned for this year.
(3) Coastal Areas: I
support the diversification of tourism from cultural and historical
attractions to eco-tourism and coastal areas. Development of coastal
tourism requires vigilant implementation, concrete development strategy
and institutional mechanism. In this sense, I wish to call on the
Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Land
Management, Urban Planning and Construction, Committee for Cambodian Bay
Management and Development to collaborate with related
ministries/institutions in laying out concrete measures for the
successful implementation of Bokor Declaration on “Sustainable
Development of Coastal Cities”.
(4) Northeastern region: the
emergence of eco-tourism and tourism communities will attract tourist
who love nature and clean environment. We need to fully capitalize on
eco-tourism with sense of responsibility. We also need to promote the
establishment and development of tourism communities and eco-tourism
communities, especially in priority regions, aimed to preserve natural
resources, regional custom and tradition and create jobs and increase
income for local people. I wish to congratulate the Ministry of Tourism,
Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries for the initiative to develop eco-tourism community. More
tourism products will be created and people will not have to migrate to
find jobs. In this sense, as Cambodia leads and hosts “ASEAN Tourism
Community Standard”, I call on the three ministries to work with
provincial authorities to organize eco-tourism festival in province with
high eco-tourism potentials. In addition, I wish to call on the Council
for the Development of Cambodia to thoroughly review investment
proposal by embedding green concept and ideas. I also call on the
ministries-institutions and private sector to further implement “Clean
City, No Plastic Bag Floating in the Air” by encouraging the National
Committee for Clean City Assessment to cooperate with the Ministry of
Environment and Phnom Penh Municipality to implement 3R waste management
pilot projects in shopping centers by charging a small fee for plastic
bag and promoting public awareness on 3R waste management principle even
in primary school.
(5) Mekong and Bassack Rivers: we
must promote the development of agro-tourism and rural tourism in
provinces along the Mekong and Bassac rivers that have great potential
for cultural tourism and natural tourism. In this spirit, I wish to call
on the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and sub-national authorities to work
with related institutions and the private sector to promote tourism
along rivers and agro-tourism to create more tourism products. In
addition, for the interest of local people, we need to prepare Model
Tourism Village to accommodate tourist in the house of local people in
cities, urban areas and river area. We also need to create Tourism Port
along the Mekong river and Tonlesap river and organize tourism events in
provinces along the Mekong river and Bassac river.
Second,
further strengthening the quality of tourism products: along with the
development of tourism products, we also need to give attention to
quality of tourism products and services to ensure pleasant experience
for tourists. In this sense, all stakeholders must involve in the “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service” movement
contest which aims at improving the quality of tourism products. While
ASEAN has launched a number of standards, including Green ASEAN Hotel
Standards, ASEAN Guesthouse Standards, ASEAN Tourism City Standards,
ASEAN Spa Standards and ASEAN Public Restroom Standards, the Ministry of
Tourism must prepare regulation framework for classifying and labeling
tourism bases in accordance with the Law on Tourism.
Third, further strengthening public service in tourism sector:
along with the strengthening of quality of tourism products, we need to
pay attention to provision of public services relating to the
management of tourism industry by promoting, disseminating and
implementing the Law on Tourism and its implementation tools. I wish to
congratulate the Ministry of Tourism on the initiative to prepare online
tourism registration which is a move to facilitate and eliminate
unnecessary barriers in license issuance process. I also wish to
congratulate the Ministry of Tourism on the preparation of the strategy
on the management of tour guide training and quality strengthening which
is an important document for the management of tour guide. I fully
support the initiative to launch online tour guide registration which is
a “single-window” for effectively transparently linking tourists to
tour guides.
Fourth, further development of human resource in tourism sector:
to prepare ourselves for the free movement of skilled tourism workers
in 2015, it is necessary to focus on human resource because they are the
determinant of quality, sustainability and competitiveness of the
tourism sector of Cambodia. In implementing the Law on Tourism, the
Ministry of Tourism must further collaborate with related institutions,
private sector and development partners to create a National Tourism
School which can provide quality training programs in accordance with
required national and regional standards so that Cambodia is ready for
the anticipated free movement of skilled tourism workers in 2015, in
addition to improved access to tourism training at affordable costs. In
this sense, I welcome the establishment of Tourism Council which is
participated by national and international academia and tourism experts
to provide inputs for the development of tourism sector in Cambodia.
Fifth, further marketing research and dissemination: I highly appreciate the “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder” campaign
under all forms and all means. I call on the Ministry of Tourism to
further cooperate with the private sector attract tourists from ASEAN,
ASEAN plus 3, India and emerging markets such as Russia, Saudi Arabia
etc while strengthening existing markets such as Europe and US. To do
this job effectively, we need to create Marketing and Dissemination
Board as soon as possible while improving the public-private partnership
through joint investment in advertising tourism in international
market.
Sixth, further facilitation of movement of tourists:
Inter-ministerial Committee on facilitation of movement of tourist at
international border check points must improve hospitality
infrastructure to respond to the needs of tourists of all ages,
including parking, waiting room, currency exchange counter, information
counter etc. In addition, we need to simplify procedures for processing
cross-border movement of tourists and eliminate unnecessary barriers. I
wish to call on institutions and related stakeholders to intensify the
implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity to strengthen
and expand connectivity which is the basis for tourism development in
Cambodia because tourists from third countries and domestic tourists are
our main market. We need to promote the implementation of uniform visa
agreement with Thailand under the ACMECS framework. The Ministry of
Tourism, State Secretariat of Civil Aviation and stakeholders must
further strive to facilitate and open new flight connectivity, including
budget airlines, with ASEAN, ASEAN plus 3, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia
and Europe. With the domestic framework, further development of physical
infrastructure such as roads, electricity and clean water is needed to
support tourism activities.
Seventh, security and safety of tourists:
I highly commend the Ministry of Interior, National Police
Commissariat, especially the Tourism Police for working hard to ensure
safety for tourists. I also welcome the establishment of private
security officers by tour operators to help public security officers
ensure security and safety at tourist destination. Moreover, tour
operators must cooperate with the Ministry of Interior, National Police
Commissariat, the Ministry of Health, related institutions and private
sector, insurance companies to strengthen rescue service for tourists by
preparing the national plan on tourist safety and coming up with
concrete measures. For coastal tourism, the Ministry of Tourism must
cooperate with sub-national authorities, related institutions, private
sector to launch Cambodia Bay Guard.
Eighth, further promotion of domestic tourist movement:
while we are working hard to attract foreign tourists, we must not
forget the importance of domestic tourists. By doing this, we are able
to promote compatriotism and recognition of the value of our rich
cultural and natural assets. I commend the Ministry of Tourism for
producing ad spots and tourism songs and the Media for supporting this
effort. I welcome the creation of tour packages for our people. Private
enterprises should prepare tour visit for their employees at least once a
year.
Ninth, governance in the tourism sector:
sustainable development of tourism sector requires participation from
all stakeholders in developing and managing the tourism industry. Apart
from the role of the government, the private sector must also take part
in ensuring sustainability of the sector through improved form of doing
business by starting with green and clean concept on “corporate social
responsibility”. In this sense, the Ministry of Tourism must review and
strengthen its administration structure.
I
followed the “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder” campaign and “Clean City,
Clean Resort, Good Service” contest attentively. Today, we issue the
preliminary result of “Clean City” contest. The first City/Khan “Clean
City” prize will be announced on 27 February 2015. I welcome the
progress to date and wish to congratulate Battambang City for leading
the scorecard, followed by Siemreap, Kep and Posat. I call on
sub-national authorities to work harder to compete for the Rumduol 2,
Rumduol 3 in 2015 by improving the cleanliness of your controlled areas
in accordance with “ASEAN: feel the warmth”.
Before
ending, I am confident that related ministries/institutions, private
sector and development partners will continue cooperating to develop
Cambodia tourism sector, especially make it real “green gold” for the
cause of green economy in accordance with Rectangular Strategy- Phase III.
Finally,
along with the closing of the 2012-2013 stocktaking and future
direction setting conference “Cambodia Tourism toward ASEAN Integration
2015” and the celebration of National Day of Clean City under the theme
“Your Contribution to Clean City”, I wish Excellencies, ladies and
gentlemen four gems of Buddhist blessing: Longevity, Nobility,
Healthiness and Strength./.