PHNOM PENH: Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Royal Cambodian Embassies in the Republic of Korea and Japan and Tourism Representative Offices in the two countries has promoted Cambodia's tourism potential in both markets.

In Korea, the Cambodian delegation took part in the Seoul International Travel Fair 2023 being held in Seoul from May 4 to 7 with the participation of some 500 Korean tourism operators, buyers, sellers, and local and foreign reporters; and organized the Cambodian Tourism Roadshow with the participation of more than 10 Cambodian tourism operators and over 100 Korean tourism operators.

In Japan, Cambodia Festival 2023 was held on May 3-4 in Tokyo to showcase Cambodia-made products, food and beverages, and souvenirs on 100 booths and Cambodian culture and tradition through art performances.

The events were organized as part of the implementation of a strategy for the recovery of Cambodian tourism during and after post-COVID-19-phase II (2020-2025).

They also aimed to promote the “Visit Cambodia Year 2023” campaign and “Cambodia as a warm, safe, clean and green tourist destination” under the slogan “Every day is a wonder” with a focus on sports and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), especially “Cambodia as a sports destination” under the slogan “Sport: Live in Peace” through the SEA Games-ASEAN Para Games 2023 and the Asian Youth Games 2029, which Cambodia will host, and to connect with the Cambodians living in Korea and Japan.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed over 2.27 million foreign tourists last year, up 1,058.6 percent compared to 2021, of them, 64.040 were Koreans, up 954.3 percent, and 29,733 were Japanese, up 1,378.5 percent compared to 2021.

During the first quarter of this year, it added, 52,578 Korean tourists visited Cambodia, a year-on-year increase of 1.115.4 percent, while 11,465 Japanese tourists were registered in Cambodia in the first two months of 2023, up 1176.7 percent.

Cambodia is expected to welcome some 80,000 Korean tourists and 70,000 Japanese visitors in 2023, said the source.