Post-pandemic positives: Handling of virus puts Cambodia in perfect position for travel boom.
Jonathon Pearson
As the world dares to hope that the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating effects it wrought are behind us, travel looks to be back on the menu and boy, is the world hungry.
With millions upon millions confined to their homes during widespread lockdowns, unable to venture out freely more than a set number of times per day – and even then, only to get the essentials – it comes as no surprise that post-Covid, travel is on people’s mind.
A survey by The International Air Transport Association (IATA), found that over half of global respondents planned to be travelling in less than two months after Covid’s containment, with some 72 percent doing so to see friends and family.
Another global survey by McKinsey said whether it be to reconnect with families or explore new destinations, traveling came second only to dining out as the most desired activity post-pandemic. It also found that air travel had massively increased, almost in line with pre-pandemic travel levels.
“Travel will take off in and between countries with manageable caseloads
We can expect a surge in travel in (and between) countries with manageable and moderate COVID-19 caseloads and vaccine access.”
“Highly vaccinated countries, as a result of the efficacy of the vaccine so far, gives many people enough feeling of security to travel.”
Indeed, Cambodia ticks a lot of boxes. A successful vaccination campaign has seen nearly 90 per cent of its population receive at least one dose.
Coupled with its relatively low cases, it has become not only one of the first ASEAN countries to fully relax flight vaccination restrictions and quarantine, but also actively kickstart tourism through its own “Safe and Green Tourism Destination” campaign, launched this year.
Following the launch of the Ministry of Tourism’s (MoT) the launch “Safe and Green Tourism”, it saw a 180 per cent increase in the number of international tourists in the first four months of the year (compared to the same period last year).
Speaking on the trajectory, Top Sopheak, MoT spokesman and secretary of state, said that Cambodia expects foreign arrivals to be back to those seen before the pandemic by 2025.
“The ministry is working hard to promote tourism and draw in foreigners and investors to Cambodia, through local and international events and other initiatives. We have a clear strategic plan,” he added.
Tom Starkey, Co-Founder of HR solutions company Next Step International – which connects international talent with opportunities in Cambodia – says the government’s plans will pay off.
“Cambodia’s successful handling of the virus and its leading march into the post-COVID era means it’s put itself firmly on the map as an attractive place for travel.”
“This, as well as the predicted resumption of its impressive pre-pandemic growth, create a very fertile ground for tourists, investors and people looking to work abroad.”
He said that Cambodia already has very favourable conditions for foreigners to live and work. This, on top of government initiatives to attract investment and talent – such as the Cambodia My 2nd Home (CM2H) – create a win-win situation.
“This is great for Cambodia. It means that while people enjoy all the rich offerings of visiting, living and potentially working in Cambodia, the Kingdom benefits from the positive economic impact this generates and the development it will turbocharge.”
“This process will happen in phases in line with the wider world opening up, but it’s the current situation is very promising for the Kimgdom.
President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, Chhay Sivlin, said that they only expect the number of international visitors to keep increasing, but cited several issues which will hold back the boom for now.
“We need to have a bigger variety of flights available for tourists so they will come to Cambodia.”
“The private sector must also be prepared and up to standard, both in terms of services and products, so the country will maintain its image, she added.
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Author: Reece Ferguson
Reece is a South-East Asia based writer and journalist that originally hails from Northern Ireland. He has previously written for Philippines Lifestyle News, as well as for our previous publication Khmer Nights.
