Cambodia and Zimbabwe keen to promote ecotourism

By Agencies

Cambodia and Zimbabwe are looking at options to boost cooperation in the tourism sector, with a special focus on ecotourism.

Steps regarding strengthening the cooperation were discussed during a meeting between Tourism Minister Thong Khon and Constance Chemwayi, the newly appointed non-resident ambassador of Zimbabwe to Cambodia, at the Ministry of Tourism.

Cambodia, with its focus on peace, stability, and development, is an ideal destination for cultural and eco-tourism, the minister pointed out during the meeting.

The Kingdom, which expects the arrival of five million international tourists to the country this year, has already attracted 3.03 million international tourists in the first seven months.

While appreciating the remarkable recovery of the tourism sector in Cambodia, Constance Chemwayi reiterated the significance of developing cultural tourism for the benefit of both countries.

The ambassador said Cambodia and Zimbabwe could develop cultural tourism by jointly promoting such opportunities and such a move has the potential to attract tourists from several countries.

She said Zimbabwe is eager to enhance its reputation as a cultural heritage destination to overcome the crisis that engulfed the tourism industry after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The minister and ambassador also discussed the possibilities of eco-tourism development in both countries.

Zimbabwe’s natural resources, wildlife and Victoria Falls are major attractions for international tourists, while Cambodia has been enhancing its capabilities in promoting ecotourism.

Both countries will prepare a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism as a roadmap for the implementation of joint action plans.

Cambodia and Zimbabwe are scheduled to hold further discussions at the World Tourism Organization meeting in Uzbekistan by the end of this year.

Earlier, the Tourism Ministry announced that the country received 3,037,344 international tourists in the first seven months of this year, a 308 percent increase from 743,459 travellers for the corresponding period
in 2022.

Thailand topped the chart among international arrivals to the Kingdom during the January-July period this year, followed by Vietnam and China, the
report said.

Around 1,065,233 foreign tourists visited Cambodia by air, an increase of 237 percent, and 1,972,111 by land and waterways, up 362 percent.