PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s tourism gateway, Siem Reap, is pivoting toward the Middle East to diversify its economic base, formalising a strategic partnership with Dubai-based interests to attract high-spending travellers and billionaire investors to the Kingdom.
In a meeting on Feb. 16, Siem Reap Deputy Governor Mr. Ngov Sengkak met with a delegation of Dubai Amirakle Tour. The discussions centred on establishing a direct promotional pipeline between the home of Angkor Wat and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The provincial administration is recalibrating its tourism model to cater specifically to the preferences of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, who are known for seeking premium, high-end experiences.
“Our primary goal is to project the grandeur of Angkor Wat and our natural landscapes directly to the Middle Eastern market, particularly Dubai,” Mr. Ngov Sengkak said. “Tourism is a powerful engine for change; it creates jobs, stimulates the local economy, and serves as a cultural bridge.”
To capture this market, he noted that Siem Reap is developing “luxury packages” focused on: Balancing high-end growth with environmental preservation; Enhancing premium accommodations and bespoke services to meet the expectations of Arab tourists.
For her part, a representative of the Dubai Amirakle Tour delegation emphasised that her mission includes facilitating a corridor for Middle Eastern capital to flow into Cambodian infrastructure and hospitality.
“We are not just looking at tourists; we are aiming to bring investors from the Middle East to explore opportunities in Siem Reap,” she stated.
She highlighted that creating a reciprocal mechanism between Cambodian travel agencies and major Dubai firms would act as a catalyst for “billionaire-level investors” to enter the Cambodian market, providing a significant boost to national economic growth.