In order to attract foreign tourists to visit Cambodia, Cambodia government arranged new tourism marketing by conducting new tourism campaign and slogan “Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder†which was adverted on international channels such as CNN, international television, and print media, featuring Angkor Wat alongside images of eco-tourism sites, Apsara dancers, beaches and shadow puppets.
Tourism industry is the big business for Cambodia, about one-third of whose 14 million people earn less than 56 cents US dollars a day. It is the large revenue for contributing the growth of the nation economy. In 2007, more than 2 million people visited Cambodia and the arrivals of tourists have increased by 20 percent annually for the last fourth years. Revenue from tourism sector amounted to 1.4 billion US dollars in 2007.
Angkor Wat temple is the key to new campaign because it is at the very heart of Cambodia’s identity. At the meantime, tourism expert expressed concerns that the famous temple could be ruined by the onslaught of the large tourists.
Even though, Angkor Wat in Cambodia was not voted to rank as one of New Seven Wonders of the world via internet and mobile phone on July 07, 2007. It is not concerned that the inflow of tourists will be down
Minister of Tourism said that the new government strategy hopes to make Cambodia the tourism destination for more Middle Eastern travelers.
Other tourism resorts have been developed by domestic and foreign companies such as Koh Pos or Snake Island in Sihanoukville, Bok Kor Mountain in Kampot province, and so on. Rabbit Island in Kep municipality will be developed in the near future. And there are more natural, historical resorts across the country.
I know I would love to visit Cambodia. Maybe someday!
It is a good strategy to getmore tourists to the country. But at this time when financial constraint is pushing more people out off work, lost their home, pay their debts, the daily end needs are most important for them.
Cambodia can indeed offer handful of cultural experiences and sightseeing.