Tourism ministry secretary of state Kuch Pannhasa addresses the July 21 launch event for the Gumball 3000 at Phnom Penh’s Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall. - Supplied
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is set to make a global splash as it prepares to host the prestigious Gumball 3000 rally this September.
The event, known for its extravagant display of supercars and celebrity participants, is expected to offer a major boost to the kingdom's tourism industry, while showcasing its potential as a luxury destination.
“The government has directed the Ministry of Tourism to work with the private sector to welcome the Gumball 3000,” said Kuch Pannhasa, tourism ministry secretary of state, as he addressed a July 21 launch event at Phnom Penh’s Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall.
The Gumball 3000, a 3,000-mile odyssey across multiple countries, promises to be a spectacle unlike any other.
It will bring together a convoy of approximately 130 high-performance vehicles and a star-studded cast of celebrities, entrepreneurs and influencers. They will drive thousands of miles across multiple countries, with Cambodia being one of the key stops.
The 25th Anniversary Rally, scheduled to start in Vietnam on Sept 14 and conclude in Singapore on Sept 22, will coincide with the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, adding to the region’s high-octane excitement.
Pannhasa outlined four primary objectives for the hosting of the Gumball 3000: showcasing Cambodia as a safe destination, creating business and investment opportunities, engaging in charity and fundraising, and breaking a world record.
“We aim to showcase that Cambodia is a safe place to visit,” he said.
“We will also create business and investment opportunities since there are entrepreneurs, millionaires and billionaires taking part in the Gumball 3000,” he added.
The rally's charity component is equally significant.
“Gumball is raising funds to build a floating soccer field in Kampong Khleang, the largest floating village in Siem Reap province. Some of the villagers and communities will also be served with Michelin star dishes,” Pannhasa revealed.
Chip Mong Group has announced that it is aiming to raise an additional $200,000 to contribute to the Angkor Children’s Hospital.
To cap off the event, Cambodia aims to set a truly incredible world record.
“We have invited Guinness World Records to count the number of cars and hope to break the world record for the most sport cars, supercars and hypercars gathered at Angkor,” Pannhasa explained.
The rally is expected to attract the attention of locals and tourists alike.
“The Gumball 3000 is relevant to local people as it brings an exciting and unique event to their community. It is also one of the newest tourism events around,” added Pannhasa.
The rally's participants, including Hollywood stars, artists and social media influencers, are expected to draw massive crowds.
To maximise the public's engagement, the event's schedule includes a public gathering at the Independence Monument on Sept 15, followed by a business event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Sept 16.
On the same day, the rally will embark on a journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, making a stop at Kampong Khleang floating village for a unique lunch experience.
Several examples of hypercar were on display during the July 21 launch event for the Gumball 3000 at Phnom Penh’s Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall. Supplied
On Sept 17, a grand gathering of supercars is planned at Angkor Wat, aiming to break the world record. The rally will then depart for Thailand.
Pannhasa outlined the ministry’s commitment to involving local communities in the event.
“We aim to involve local communities along the Gumball 3000 route to ensure they benefit from the exposure and encourage cultural exchanges,” he said.
This includes showcasing local heritage, partnering with local businesses and providing opportunities for local artists and creatives.
The ministry views the rally as a pivotal event in shaping the kingdom’s tourism landscape.
“We see the Gumball 3000 event as a significant contributor to Cambodia's long-term tourism strategy, specifically in promoting luxury travel experiences,” Pannhasa said.
The rally's global reach and high-profile participants are expected to position Cambodia as a premier luxury destination.
Beyond tourism, the event also serves as a diplomatic tool.
“The presence of the rally in Cambodia serves as a platform to showcase the country's prosperity, peace and political stability,” added Pannhasa. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
