Crystal Symphony docks in Preah Sihanouk province with 313 tourists on Feb18. - Preah Sihanouk tourism dept
PHNOM PENH: Over the course of four separate days between Feb 9-18, more than 4,700 multinational tourists and nearly 3,000 crew members arrived in Sihanoukville aboard five different cruise ships, according to the Preah Sihanouk provincial Department of Tourism.
The reported highlighted the arrival of several cruise ships.
The MV Seabourn Encore led the pack with 560 tourists from 28 nations, accompanied by its 425 crew. Close behind was the MS Riviera, boasting an impressive 1,183 tourists from 34 nationalities alongside 764 crew.
AIDAbella brought even more visitors, 1,976 tourists representing 20 nationalities, with 625 crew members on board.
The Seven Seas Explorer hosted 726 tourists from 29 nations and 548 crew, while the Crystal Symphony concluded the arrivals with 313 tourists from 25 nationalities and 443 crew members.
Department director Taing Sochet Kresna said on Feb 19 that the cruise passengers arrived in the kingdom with a multi-destination itinerary. Their Cambodian journey included exploring Preah Sihanouk and neighbouring Kep and Kampot provinces, followed by the iconic Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, before venturing onwards to Thailand and Vietnam.
He added that the passengers’ multi-destination itinerary presents a valuable opportunity for Preah Sihanouk’s tourism sector, explaining that this approach ensures a consistent stream of visitors despite their shorter stays.
While their individual visits might be brief, Sochet Kresna highlighted the positive impact their spending has on local businesses, ranging from food stalls to restaurants.
“I call on local businesses to prioritise both affordable quality and cleanliness to ensure a satisfying experience for our visitors and encourage their return,” he said.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said brief visits were still valuable, as they introduced international visitors to the country’s beautiful beaches, potentially influencing their future vacation plans.
“The high season naturally brings more cruise passengers. We’re actively collaborating with key players to reach out to cruise lines and explore extending their dock time in Preah Sihanouk port. Longer stays translate to greater economic benefits for our community,” she added.
She suggested that promoting additional international tourists is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism or the tourism association. She underscored the importance of people contributing to the promotion of Cambodia’s destinations, which requires the participation of all interested parties to ensure the projected growth of the travel and leisure industry. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
