Tourism Indochina: Tourism responding to the Challenge of Climate Change

Tourism Indochina: Tourism responding to the Challenge of Climate Change

The conference “Tourism – Responding to Climate and Poverty Imperatives”, held in the context of ITB 2008, focused on tourism’s role in the global climate response in solidarity with other sectors. As one of the principle services exports in the world’s poorest and emerging countries, tourism has the potential to act effectively on the common cause of climate change response, linking it closely with the fight against poverty.


As the UN agency in charge of tourism, UNWTO is leading the positioning of the sector within the global efforts on climate response and poverty alleviation. UNWTO’s approach matches the road map laid out by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the broader UN System Agenda.


The Davos Declaration Process promoted by UNWTO “urges action by the entire tourism sector to face climate change as one of the greatest challenges to sustainable development, and to the UN Millennium Development Goals in the 21st Century.”


“Climate change response and poverty alleviation are complementary goals. All tourism stakeholders will very soon support concrete consensus measures to address these challenges. Our focus on climate change and the broader development agenda coincides with the active support of the UN Millennium Development Goals”, UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General Geoffrey Lipman.


This is the message presented by UNWTO during the thematic debate ‘Addressing Climate Change: The United Nations and the World at Work’, held in February at UN Headquarters in New York. UNWTO will mobilize its more than 150 Member States and its Affiliate Members in the private and academic community, representing a network of thousands of stakeholders in the tourism family.


By UNWTO

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Tourism Indochina: The cyclo tour : A special activities feature in Phnom Penh Cambodia

Tourism Indochina: The cyclo tour : A special activities feature in Phnom Penh Cambodia

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-01):

Cyclo tour is one among other famous tours in Phnom Penh that provide economically the best way to view the landscape in the city and contribute to the poor in urban area.


Cyclo is the common name for tricycle rickshaws and is a common form of public transport in Cambodia, consisting of a tricycle with the passenger compartment up front. Cyclos (pronounced see-cloe) are an integral part of the Phnom Penh landscape. These iconic vehicles, first introduced in 1936, remain one of the best and most economical ways to see the city. Cyclo drivers, however, is among the poorest of the urban poor in Cambodia. The exact number of cyclo drivers in Phnom Penh is not known because of the transient nature of the work, but there are nearly 1,400 registered members in Cyclo centre, a local NGO providing basic support and social services to the drivers.


The tourists will be recommended to the tourist site in Phnom Penh where the cyclo drivers can meet. To view the landscape of Phnom Penh, cyclo tour can be a better choice. Cyclo tour not only immerse you the real situation in the busy city of Phnom Penh but also help enhance living standard for cyclo drivers through economical contribution. This form of economic contribution helps the poor and plays role in sustainable tourism development by providing opportunity to local residents to get involved in business tourism.


Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and country’s commercial, economical and political hub. It is also a gateway to an exotic land. Phnom Penh City has several cultural and historical attractions including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields. If you travel to Phnom, DO NOT miss cyclo tour, which is a rare and special activities feature in Phnom Penh. This tour will make you experience the real Cambodia in the city and it won’t disappoint you!

==> Watch a video of Cyclo tour in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:



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Tourism Indochina: The Oldest Bridge in Cambodia

Tourism Indochina: The Oldest Bridge in Cambodia

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-05):

Located in Kampong Kdey district, Siem Reap Province, the land of foremost world heritage site complex, Spean Brab Tes -Bridge of Indication- is the oldest historical bridge in Cambodia, which was constructed during the era of the King Jayavaraman the VII. This Bridge is about 1000 years old with the length of 80m and width of about 12 m. The special unique features of the bridge are its longevity and historical architecture. The bridge stays almost the same period of Angkor Wat which has been attracting millions of tourists to pay attention on until now. This bridge was the ancient Khmer Highway as the Kingdom was known as the Khmer Empire. With its underneath holes, the bridge not only plays substantial role in transportation sector but also in field of agriculture.

Tourism Indochina: Spean Prab Teus- Bridge of Indication, Kampong Kdey, Siem Reap

Unlike the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site’s reputation, Spean BrabTes is rarely known because it is located 60 Km away from Siem Reap Town. It takes about 1 hour to travel to the site by car. However, the Bridge is interesting to see due to its longevity and historical architecture which represent the best talent of the constructors and the strength during the Khmer Empire. Under pressure of the weather condition, the Bridge has struggled with an assailant for almost a century. To complete a kind the cultural tourism, the oldest Bridge visiting should not be missed. It will offer more experiences and historical clearness about the Khmer Empire.


Without hesitation, the Bridge could diversify the attractions in Siem Reap Province in accordance with tourism development master plan conducted under cooperation between JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and APSARA Authority. Also this plan has optimized that Siem Reap will have become the major tourism hot spot in South East Asia. Therefore, the Bridge would be a part of the crucial components accelerating the master plan’s optimization and spread out more reputation and satisfaction to both domestic and international tourists.


By CHHEM Samnang

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia tourism up 13 percent, but Thais may turn away

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia tourism up 13 percent, but Thais may turn away

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-06):

PHNOM PENH (AFP) — Tourist arrivals in Cambodia soared 13 percent in the first half of 2008, but the tourism minister warned Tuesday that Thais may avoid the kingdom as a border dispute drags on. Ministry of Tourism statistics showed that nearly 1.1 million foreigners, including 67,502 from neighboring Thailand, entered Cambodia from January until June, up 13 percent on the same period last year.


"This is a satisfactory increase," Tourism Minister Thong Khon told AFP. But he said arrivals of Thai tourists were expected to drop after a territorial dispute on their joint border over land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, which was listed as a UN World Heritage Site last month.


"We don't expect many more Thai tourists to come because they cannot go see the Preah Vihear temple," Thong Khon said. Cambodia closed the border crossing from Thailand to Preah Vihear in late June, ahead of the July 15 arrest of three Thai nationalist protesters who tried to illegally cross into Cambodia to reach the temple.


The incident sparked a military stand-off, and more than 1,000 Thai and Cambodian soldiers are now stationed on a patch of disputed land near the ruin. The tourism ministry did not say how many Thais entered Cambodia at the Preah Vihear crossing this year. Of all international visitors, more than half flocked to Cambodia's famed Angkor temples in northwestern Siem Reap province, the ministry said.


Those World Heritage-listed ruins have been key in reviving Cambodia's tourism sector since 2003, when a regional SARS panic and anti-Thai riots in the country's capital Phnom Penh drove visitor figures into the ground.


But the government has also begun planning a number of tourism initiatives as part of a broader plan to both keep foreigners in Cambodia longer, and develops some of the country's more impoverished areas.Tourist arrivals to Cambodia topped two million in 2007, and the sector remains one of the few sources of foreign exchange for the country, where millions live in poverty after decades of civil strife.

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Tourism Indochina: Beijing Olympic tickets scammer first winner in global Internet scam

Tourism Indochina: Beijing Olympic tickets scammer first winner in global Internet scam

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-07):

Just days ahead of the Beijing Olympics opening, The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and US Olympic Committee have filed a lawsuit in the US to shut down a fraudulent Internet site offering non-existent Olympic tickets after receiving complaints from around the world.


The bogus site (www.beijingtickets.com) is believed to have raked in an estimated US$50 million worldwide. At least six other websites are believed to be selling non-existent or illegitimate tickets to the Games.


The global Internet scam is based in Arizona, in the US, has been offering tickets to numerous events that were sold out months ago, and boasts of offices New York, London and Sydney. The site carries the official Beijing Games logo.


According to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), organizers of the event in Beijing, tickets for events in Beijing were sold out last week. Only tickets for events in co-host cities are still available.


"We thought we were making a legitimate purchase," Chante Parthak, whose family had bought about $5,000 worth of tickets from the site, told a Canadian newspaper. She now plans to claim her losses from Visa. "Tickets offered on other sites were not only expensive, but hard to come by. It was hard to get tickets for the closing ceremony."


News reports from Australia also quoted a buyer from Brisbane spent $42,000 for tickets that didn't arrive. "It appears to be a worldwide scam," Tony Robinson, Minister of consumer affairs for Victoria state, said. "It appears a lot of people have been taken in by a very professional scam, a worldwide scam."


Families of Olympic athletes in the US, Canada, Japan, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and even China are reportedly among those who have fallen victim to the scam. Jim Moriarity, a US lawyer based in Houston who lost $12,000, plans to also represent other victims in subsequent legal actions against the IOC. "They know about these sites for months, but did nothing. They have now dashed the hopes and reams of thousands of people who have been planning for years to go to the Games, and paid thousands of dollars for tickets and airfares."


"The worst thing is some people don't even know yet they have bought tickets that won't arrive, " said John Coates, Australian Olympic Committee president. "Buyers should only deal with authorized ticket suppliers."


By Yusof Sulaiman, eTN Asia/Pacific

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Airlines jet catches fire at Narita

Vietnam Airlines Company Limited, trading as Vietnam Airlines (Vietnamese: Hãng Hàng không Quốc gia Việt Nam), is the national flag carrier of Vietnam. Founded in 1956 under the name Vietnam Civil Aviation, the airline was established as a state enterprise in April 1989. Vietnam Airlines is headquartered in Long Bien, Hanoi, with hubs at Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The airline flies to 46 destinations in 19 countries, excluding codeshared services. The carrier operates under the IATA airline designator VN and the ICAO airline designator HVN, while its callsign is VIET NAM AIRLINES.

Vietnam Airlines was officially formed in 1996, after bringing together several service companies. The company is overseen by a seven-seat management board, members of which are appointed by the Vietnamese Prime Minister. Vietnam Airlines was the major stakeholder in Vietnam's second largest carrier, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, but its share has been transferred to the Ministry of Finance, then subsequently, to the State Capital Investment Corporation.

With the core activity of the airline being passenger transportation, Vietnam Airlines also earns revenue from catering and the maintenance and overhauling of aircraft through a number of its subsidiaries. The maintenance and overhauling of aircraft is handled by Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company (VAECO), while the former is performed by Noibai Catering Services Join-Stock Company and Vietnam Air Caterer, who cater airlines that use Vietnam Airlines’ hubs. The airline also controls and operates its cargo division, Vietnam Airlines Cargo, using the airline’s luggage hold on its passenger fleet, as well as a number of dedicated aircraft. Vietnam Airlines owns 100% of Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO)—a regional airline in southern Vietnam, and 49% of Cambodia Angkor Air—the national flag carrier of Cambodia.

The airline is ranked as a 3-star airline according to the independent research consultancy firm Skytrax. Vietnam Airlines became a member of SkyTeam on 10 June 2010, making it the sole Southeast Asian carrier to join that alliance.


Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Airlines jet catches fire at Narita

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-08):

CHIBA - An engine on a Vietnam Airlines jet caught fire shortly after it arrived at Narita International Airport early Wednesday from Ho Chi Minh City, but none of the 277 passengers and crew members was hurt, airport officials said.


The plane taxied to its designated gate and the passengers got off by around 7:55 a.m. The engine caught fire at around 8:30 a.m. and firefighters were engaged for several minutes trying to extinguish it.


The runway the jetliner landed on was closed for 14 minutes, but no abnormalities were found and no other flights were disrupted, the officials said. The cause of the fire was being investigated, they said.The Aircraft and Railway Accidents Investigation Commission decided to send investigators after judging it to be a serious incident, transport ministry officials said.

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia is one of the world's sporting minnows and for a myriad of reasons

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia is one of the world's sporting minnows and for a myriad of reasons

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-11):

Despite having no hope of upstaging powerhouse nations like China and the United States at the Beijing Olympics, Cambodia's young contenders set off with a spring in their step on Wednesday, eager to show the world what the Kingdom can achieve.


"I'm very proud as is it my first time to compete at the Olympic Games," said freestyle swimmer Hem Thon Vitiny. "I've trained in swimming since I was 5 years old," the 16-year-old, who has reached the finals in international competitions such as the SEA Games, told the Post before the team boarded their flight to China where the games are to start today and close August 24.


Cambodia is one of the world's sporting minnows and for a myriad of reasons - political, geographical, financial - native athletic prowess has never really matured. While host-nation China plans to wipe the board and will not be happy unless it beats the USA in its gold medal tally, Cambodia would be content with just one medal - and a bronze at that. Here, the Kingdom is not alone; more than 80 countries of the 250 competing in Beijing have never before been on the Olympic podium.


"Our country is small, but I'm proud to represent at the Olympic games," Hem Thon, secretary general of the Khmer Amateur Swimming Federation, told the Post as Cambodia's Olympic delegation arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport. "We will at least show the Cambodian flag and its culture to the international community."


Flying the flag


Hem Thon, who was among the delegation accompanying the athletes, said the Cambodian teams do not expect to earn medals during the competitions, in which they will be competing with the top amateur athletes from around the world.


"Of course I'm strong in Cambodia, but other countries are also strong," said Hem Bunting, 25, Cambodia's top marathon runner. "After finishing the competition we will see how strong or weak we are."


Runner Sou Titlinda, 16, also left Wednesday for the Olympics. Swimmer Hem Thon Ponleu, 18, left Thursday on account of taking exams."I will try my best and I think at least we could come into the finals," Hem Bunting said before departing.


Written by Cheang Sokha

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Tourism Indochina: Two Cambodian Cultural Preservation Projects Received US Funding in 2006

Tourism Indochina: Two Cambodian Cultural Preservation Projects Received US Funding in 2006

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-13):

The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation has announced awards totaling nearly $55,000 for two Cambodian cultural preservation projects: "Heritage Management at Prasat Han Chey" to be implemented by the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and "Cheung Ek Circular Earthwork Archaeological and Cultural Resource Management Investigations" to be implemented by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.


The fund selects preservation projects based on urgency, impact and quality of the proposal. As its name indicates, the proposals come from U.S. ambassadors throughout the world. In 2006 ECA’s Cultural Heritage Center, which administers the program, received 164 proposals and awarded grants to 87 projects in 76 countries, making Cambodia one of only a few select countries to receive funding for two projects.


The signing ceremony for the two grants was held at Prasat Han Chey in Kompong Cham province. Ambassador Mussomeli signed both grants on behalf of the U.S. government. His Highness Prince Sisowath Panara Sirivuth, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, signed the agreement on behalf of the Ministry of Culture for the Prasat Han Chey project, while Phon Kaseka, Project Director for the Cheung Ek program, signed on behalf of the Royal Academy of Cambodia.


In his remarks Ambassador Mussomeli said, "The importance of the past is sometimes forgotten in the rush of everyday life. But the past is crucial to our future….The U.S. is committed to the protection of Cambodia’s heritage, and these two grants represent just one aspect of my country's assistance to Cambodia in this endeavor."


The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, with $45,015 in support from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, will initiate the Heritage Management Project to save Prasat Han Chey temple. The project has three aspects: maintenance, restoration, and raising public awareness. The Heritage Management Project at Prasat Han Chey will be the first collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh.


Prasat Han Chey, a group of temples made of brick, sandstone, and basalt, is located approximately 20 kilometers north of Kampong Cham town. The temples (Prasat is the Khmer word for "temple") were built near the end of the 6th century A.D. and are some of the earliest know surviving temples in Cambodia. The Prasat Han Chey temple group is dedicated to the Hindu gods. In a global and academic context, this group is significant because it is a rare example of temple construction from the early Chenla Period (6th century A.D.). Very few examples of construction remain from this time period, so Prasat Han Chay affords researchers important insights into art, culture and life during this crucial period in the development of the great Angkorian Empire.


With $9,553 in support from the Ambassador's Fund, the Royal Academy of Cambodia will undertake research concerning the potential destruction of circular earthwork formations and other archaeological sites at Cheung Ek, Cambodia. Recently, a large circular earthwork site has been recognized in the Cheung Ek site, five kilometers south of Phnom Penh. Cheung Ek is more popularly known as the "killing fields" site, although the archaeological evidence clearly demonstrates that is was an important habitation, commercial and production area in historic and prehistoric times. To date, however, this site has not been professionally surveyed and recorded in detail. This proposal includes academic research, training, public education and cultural resource management (CRM). This is a scientifically and culturally important site, unique in Southeast Asia. The site is in imminent danger of destruction and is therefore in need of immediate attention.


The U.S. Congress established the Ambassador's Fund in 2001, directing the State Department to set aside $1 million to assist countries in preserving their cultural heritage. The funding level has increased each year and is now at $3 million. Since its inception, the program has awarded 379 preservation grants in 108 countries.


Posted by CHHEM Samnang

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Publish 'Responsible' Tourism Guide

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Publish 'Responsible' Tourism Guide

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-14):

The fast growing tourism destinations of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have published a 148-page guide book showing where and how to enjoy responsible tourism activities in the three countries.


Over 25 activities in each country have been profiled in "The Guide to Responsible Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam." Each activity creates income for local people, minimises potential negative tourism impacts, involves members of the local communities in running the business, conserves natural and cultural heritage, provides meaningful experiences for tourists, helps people with physical disabilities, and builds respect between visitors and hosts.


For example, the book makes it easier for tourists to trek responsibly with hilltribes, buy handicrafts that keep traditions alive, eat in restaurants that employ former street kids or people with disabilities, stay in accommodation that respects its local community, and discover nature in some of the most awe inspiring areas of Southeast Asia.


"The various recommended activities in the book show the best side of tourism," said Mr Arjun Thapan, director general of the Asian Development Bank's Southeast Asia Department. The bank supported the publication through its Mekong Tourism Development Project. "All the activities recommended in the book help alleviate poverty," he said, "but do so in a respectful and sustainable way that both the host and the visitor can be proud of." Mr Thapan said continued poverty alleviation measures through tourism are important because millions of people in the sub region still live on less than two US dollars a day.


Project coordinator, Mr Peter Semone, senior advisor at the Mekong Tourism Office in Bangkok, said: "We designed the book to appeal to tourists who want to pick up a copy and go -- and for tour operators and travel agents who would like to add responsible travel experiences to their Mekong subregion itineraries."


The colour guide book describes 82 tourism experiences from the tourist's perspective, and how that activity helps local people while respecting local culture and the environment. The book contains full contact and booking information for all the recommended activities.


The book also contains profiles of the three countries, practical information for travellers, and a list of useful resources and organisations involved with heritage, conservation and responsible tourism.


The guide was written by Mekong subregion experts Guy Marris, Nick Ray and Bernie Rosenbloom. It was edited by Ken Scott.


Statistics from the Pacific Asia Travel Association issued last month show that international tourism visitor arrivals year-to-date are growing at a rate of over 13% into Cambodia, 8% into Vietnam and 4% into Laos.


Mr Thapan said: "Our aim now is to channel that growth more equitably towards sustainable and responsible tourism operators that help us conserve culture and at the same time fight poverty." The 148-page Guide to Responsible Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam costs US$15 (plus postage). The book can be ordered through the Pacific Asia Travel Association's online publication catalogue at: http://www.pata.org/catalogue/product.php?productid=16365&cat=0&page=1&featured. Or email publications@PATA.org. Tel: (+66) 2658 2000 ext 121.


Written by Ozgur Tore

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Tourism Indochina: Fixing allegations mar pig races

Tourism Indochina: Fixing allegations mar pig races

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-18):

T HE inaugural Siem Reap charity pig-racing derby, Porkula 1, was marred last weekend by egregious allegations of race-rorting on a par with Cambodia's rumoured national election fixing. Geoffrey Whitty, of Fine Star wine importers, claimed his attractive racing pig was "interfered with" underneath a pool table by a well-known Siem Reap personality who cannot be named due to pernicious press freedom restrictions.


X Rooftop Bar owners Scott Interdonato and Carlo Tarabini, renowned for creating madcap events, staged the derby on Saturday night, and ten local businesses entered racing swine with all proceeds going to charities.


Grand champion for the night was rank outsider Scooter from the Warehouse, after defeating the V Brothers pig, Sir Francis Bacon.The Warehouse Bar's entry went AWOL after a late start, the trainer missing the starting call because he was preoccupied at the bar.


Linga Bar's entry Lady Linga was a favourite, mincing to the finish line in pink underwear and a matching brassiere.Tensions ran high for the V Brothers team after their pig collapsed in the holding pen, minutes before the time trials, before making a miraculous recovery and crossing the finish line at 16.3 seconds, behind Aqua Bar pig's astounding 15.6 seconds. But Aqua's entrant was disqualified as a ringer.


Red Bull overdose


Controversy pertaining to performance-enhancing drugs surrounded The Bubble Tea Shop's entry. Trainer Hong Hsin Yen openly admitted to doping her pig with Red Bull, and her pig overdosed in the Grand Prix.


The Porkula 1 pig-racing derby raised $272 from bets alone and Interdonato and Tarabini hope to host a second derby, before selling the pigs to raise another $1,200 for charity.Pork is on the menu for Friday.


Written by Peter Olszewski and Dean Willams

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Tourism Indochina: The combination of natural and cultural attraction

Tourism Indochina: The combination of natural and cultural attraction

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-19):

Located about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap town, Cambodia, Kbal Spean is one of the foremost attraction sites in the Province. The site is also commonly known as the River of 1000 Lingas. If traveling from Banteay Srey, the finest architectural temple, it will take 12 Km. Kbal Spean offers both natural and cultural attraction to visitor at the same time. It can be argued that Kbal Spean is a unique Angkorain area due to its holy and cultural aspects accompanying with the pure forest and water fall. The River of 1000 Lingas, which is located in Phnom Kulen, represents the combination of natural beauty and the religious carving stone.


The Angkorain area was constructed under the reign of King Jayavarman II in the early of 9 century. The linga is a simple phallic shape, the symbol of the god Shiva and his powers of creation. There are reportedly around 1,000 images in all. They probably served a purification purpose. In addition to the lingas along the riverbed, there are bas-relief carvings in many of the boulders along the stream. The carvings end in a small but pretty waterfall that apparently was once used as a ritual bathing spot by the king. The landscape around the stream is also rather spectacular in itself. It is no doubt that the place was the hiding spot of the Khmer Rouge during the war time. With the reclining Buddha, remarkable riverbed caving, water fall, and pure forest, Kbal Spean can be a good attraction, especially during the raining season when the place contains large volume of water, where visitor can enjoy. Regarding to religious belief, some visitors believe after getting bath there, it will bring good things and even help cure the illness.


This attraction is popular for domestic tourists while probably the international tourists may lack information and the long distance from Siem Reap town. However, to complete and explore the real travel experience in the top destination of Cambodia, Kbal Spean WOULD NOT BE MISSED. It is the golden opportunity to view all attractions of the world heritage site and economically contribute to local resident and help enhance living standard and be apart of sustainable tourism development solution in Cambodia.


By CHHEM Samnang

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Tourism Indochina: Castaway Cambodian Islands the Next Asian hotspot

Tourism Indochina: Castaway Cambodian Islands the Next Asian hotspot

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-20):

Brocon Group is to build a massive luxury resort on previously unheard of Cambodian islands. Will they be as successful as Thailand's islands, a new Asian hotspot perhaps? Property Wire's global markets expert Liam Bailey gives us his opinion.


Successful Australian property developer Brocon Group; the company behind the hugely popular French Colonial apartments in Phnom Penh, were recently given the green light for a massive $35million luxury resort development on two Cambodian islands just off the coast at Sihanoukville. I recently predicted Sihanoukville as having the potential to become a massively popular and profitable destination for overseas property investors, but when I heard about this it blew me away.


I fell for Sihanoukville because it was a virgin coastal region of Cambodia; with white sandy beaches, tropical climate. Comparative coastal areas throughout Asia have been some of the most profitable of all overseas property investment locations. Sihanoukville also wet my whistle because it was undiscovered and so, perfectly positioned to capitalise on Cambodia's recently and rapidly rising tourism -- to be further boosted by the re-launching of the Cambodia national airline.


The islands of Koh Oeun and Koh Bong, the sites of the new resort, have all the above and much more: Brocon's possession of the islands, now fully granted by the government, will combine with the island's tropical beaches surrounded by lush rainforests, to make them an exclusive island hideaway for the region's growing middle classes, which are always on the lookout for virgin beaches to stake their claim to.


The massive power of Asian regional tourism and the massive effect it can have on an emerging property market have been seen time and time again. The most comparable are the Thai islands of Koh Samui and Phuket, which saw luxury property values grow by 50% per year in 2006 and 2007, and continue to grow strongly.


The new emergence of luxury resort property on a virgin Cambodian island, which shares many of Koh Samui and Phuket's sought after characteristics, and offers the chance to get in early at low prices, is sure to become a massively profitable endeavor. 'When we heard about a luxury resort development on previously unheard of Cambodian islands, when Cambodia's tourism was just starting to sprout hot-spots on Cambodia's coastline we were filled with excitement,' said Eleanor Flanders of Buy Sell Abroad. 'We will be marketing the Brocon resort development in the UK, and depending on starting prices, which could be extremely low, we foresee annual capital appreciation of at least 20%, and the potential for rises of up to 50%. Rental yields should start at 6% and climb to around 10% over three to five years,' she continued.


In closing, the emerging Cambodian islands have all the strengths of the other Asian islands that have been so profitable for foreign property investors, with the added bonus of being a completely new kid on the block - a virgin market with proven potential if you will.


Written by Liam Bailey

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Tourism Indochina: Proposed tourism law questioned

Tourism Indochina: Proposed tourism law questioned

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-22):

Cambodia is seeking to regulate its burgeoning tourism sector, but the draft legislation to do so puts too much power in the hands of private businesses, an industry expert warns.The government is expected next month to pass its first legislation aimed at regulating the Kingdom's rapidly expanding tourism sector, but the proposed law gives too much power to the private sector and would produce an industry built around quick profits rather than sustainability, a development expert warns.


Tourism is one of the nation's few economic success stories, making up about 16 percent of GDP, up from 6.3 percent in 2000. Tourism receipts have risen from less than US$400 million in 2003 to more than $1.4 billion in 2007, according to government figures.


But such fast growth has left the government scrambling to bring uniformity to the sector. The proposed tourism law, now under consideration at the Council of Ministers, has been in the works since 2006.


Industry sources laud the expected passage of regulatory measures, saying they would have important implications for development of the sector."We are looking forward to having a proper rule with clear policies for investment. The industry needs to know what can and can't be done," said Philip Set Kao, general manager of the Borei Angkor Hotel.


REGULATION SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UP TO Private COMPANIES.


Set Kao, who is a former president of the Cambodian Hotel Association, said the industry hopes the law will cut red tape and licensing times for new projects and force transparency."We hope to see an industry based on transparency, not on [personal] connections," he said.


However, the draft law minimises the role of government while bringing business associations in as key policymakers. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector wing of the World Bank that is playing a lead role in the law's drafting, said the Tourism Ministry would have no role in quality control measures.


According to the IFC's Business Issues Bulletin, the ministry would be responsible "only for safety and hygiene" under the assumption that "too much regulation provides opportunities for informal charges".A copy of the draft law obtained by the Post Wednesday states that any changes made to quality control standards would first require consultation with the private sector.


According to the IFC briefing, government control could "distort the competitiveness of the tourism industry. "The tourism law will provide a foundation for the private sector to self-regulate quality.... The Ministry of Tourism should resist the impulse to regulate," it said. Tour operators and those involved in drafting the law say this is necessary to ensure efficiency and competitive pricing."Having government in control of tourism is not necessarily a good thing in [Cambodia]. You can have a lot of corruption," said one source who did not want to be named. "The goal has been to keep the government role to an absolute minimum."


But one of England's top tourism experts warns that the law's free market emphasis could spell disaster for Cambodia. "Pattaya [Thailand] is one example of what can happen if you allow the private sector free rein," said Dr Tim Forsyth, from the Development Studies Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science.


He was referring to the notoriously hard-living resort town known more for its go-go bars than its cultural attractions. "If you let companies operate without proper regulation, you don't get quality tourism," he told the Post Tuesday.With more than two million tourists arriving each year, the danger, according to Forsyth, is that Cambodia could become overrun by companies that have little or no regard for the country's image, national monuments or environment.


The result, he said, could be more sex tourism, unregulated gambling and other activities that present a threat to the sector."[Regulation] should not be left up to private companies as there is too much diversity ... between the long-term big players who want to control quality and short-term sharks who just want to make fast profits, even if it destroys localities," Forsyth said.


Cambodia's national parks could also be at risk under the new law, which appears to have no environmental provisions. That could mean more projects like the controversial golf courses and resort planned for the protected nature reserve on Bokor National Park. He added what he calls the IFC's pro-business slant, is also a serious concern.


"The World Bank is generally a pro-private sector organization and the IFC is its private sector arm, so I would think they would be very inclined towards private interests.... This law seems to make that clear." A Ministry of Tourism official, however, maintained that the government and private sector were working towards the same goal. "We consider that the public and private sector are in cooperation," said So Mara, undersecretary of state at the ministry.


Written by George McLeod

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Tourism Indochina: Chambok: Community Based Ecotourism Site in Cambodia

Tourism Indochina: Chambok: Community Based Ecotourism Site in Cambodia

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-25):

Located at the border of Kirirom National Park in Kampong Speu Province, Chambok is commonly known as Community Based Ecotourism Site in Cambodia. Chambok provides a 40-meter high waterfall, which can be reached via 3 Km trail.

Chambok serves the model of best practice in Community Based Ecotourism in Cambodia. The site was an initiative developed by a local environment organization Mlup Bai Tong in 2001 in cooperation with Ministry of Environment.
This site is developed to address the deforestation and enhance local livelihood to use the resources in the sustainable way by transferring their traditional job depending on forest to produce charcoal into the services for tourism supply site. This practice is a model of good implementation that provides the sample of Community Based Ecotourism in Cambodia, especially accelerating local lively hood. For instance, educational training programs show the benefit of forest protection and through direct income contribution can help the community to manage and protect the forest in a sustainable way for the future generation.

The site offers a wide rang of outdoor activities and attractions that visitor can experience with as below:
• Seeing the high water fall and the fabulous forest landscape
• Trekking, Hiking, Bird Watching, animal trekking or visiting the bat cave
• Swimming in a stream or riding bicycle
• Picnicking or enjoying local Cambodian food
• Experiencing Cambodian rural life style on ox cart ride or through home stay
• Watching Cambodian traditional dance and buying local handicrafts
If you are interested in ecotourism activities as above, please contact you travel agency to deal with the service provision. www.tourismindochina.com

By CHHEM Samnang

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Tourist Arrivals Number 2.6mln

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Tourist Arrivals Number 2.6mln

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-25):

Vietnam received more than 2.6 million international visitors in the first seven months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 10.6 per cent, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). Foreign tourists to Vietnam mainly came from Thailand, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), the Philippines, China, France, Singapore and Malaysia.


International arrivals from the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore rose sharply over the same period last year with 55 per cent, 41.6 per cent and 27.5 per cent, respectively, while those from China, the RoK and Japan decreased.


"In order to fulfill its target of welcoming five million international tourists this year, the tourism sector will simplify international travel business procedures and strengthen land tourism cooperation with its neighbours Laos and Cambodia," Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Chien Thang said.


The sector plans to coordinate with airlines and enterprises to organise tourism promotion activities and diversify tourism products, he added. It will also continue investment in upgrading infrastructure and training human resources in an effort to improve service quality, thus increasing the number of tourists with long-time residences.


Currently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is preparing for the 2009 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2009) scheduled to be held in Vietnam from January 5-12. One of the major activities is building a website providing tourism information on Vietnam.


This will be the first time Vietnam hosts such a large-scale event in the framework of ASEAN tourism cooperation, Thang said. The ATF was considered a big opportunity for Vietnam to promote tourism and expand tourism cooperation with other regional countries.


During the ATF 2009, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers meeting with dialogue countries and the ASEAN Tourism Fair will be held. Vietnam is expected to welcome around 1,500 international delegates during the next year's ATF, including representatives of 400 travel agencies from key markets in Northern America, Europe and Northeastern Asia.


Source: VNA


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Tourism Indochina: Regional confab puts focus on 'sites of conscience'

Tourism Indochina: Regional confab puts focus on 'sites of conscience'

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-27):

Organization dedicated to preserving historical record of human atrocities begins conference with visit to Tuol Sleng.


REPRESENTATIVES from "remembrance sites" around Asia gathered in Phnom Penh on Monday for the third annual meeting of the Asian Sites of Conscience, opening the three day conference with a visit to the Tuol Sleng prison.The conference was organized by the Liberation War Museum in Bangladesh in collaboration with the Cambodian genocide research group, the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-CAM).


The event will bring together Asian members of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC), a New York-based organisation that represents 70 historic sites and hundreds of historic institutions around the world, including the Gulag museum in Russia and holocaust museums throughout Europe. Mofidul Hoque, the regional coordinator of ICSC, applauded Cambodia on the achievements of the Tuol Sleng museum and DC-CAM.


Hoque also commented on the importance of collective memory to national progress in countries with traumatic histories, saying that the organisations "want to look forward to the future".ICSC representative Bix Gabriel told the Post that she hoped that the meeting would strengthen the collaboration of the member states in their quest to share complex historical issues with younger generations across Asia.


"We recognise the power museums have to address the solid issues of today and of the past," she said. "We want to help resolve the underlying questions about why these histories have come to exist."She explained that the sites of conscience are all significant for their use of physical space to make history come alive and to speak to people today.


"[Our] sites are significant because they use the physical space of history to connect to people today," she said.Akku Chowdhury from the Liberation War Museum in Bangladesh said that it was symbolic for Asia's sites of remembrance to come together. "Our sites can reflect upon the past and connect to the future, so the same mistakes are not repeated. We are all connected. "Tuol Sleng survivor Vann Nath and ECCC spokeswoman Helen Jarvis, among others, are representing Cambodia at the conference.


Written by Georgia Wilkins

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Tourism Indochina: Unique Opportunity for NTOs to Engage Airlines

Tourism Indochina: Unique Opportunity for NTOs to Engage Airlines

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-28):

PATA is joining forces with Routes to host a unique new event that will help destinations successfully leverage airline and airport relationships. To take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 12, the inaugural Tourism and Air Services Development Summit will attract the leaders of national and regional tourism offices (NTOs) from around the world. PATA member NTO chiefs can attend for free.

"The summit is a wonderful opportunity for NTOs to explore new ways of working with airports to influence airlines in their route planning," said PATA Vice President -- Operations Michael Yates. "Airline planners will speak candidly about what they expect from destinations to help them make sound commercial decisions about network development."

The day after the summit, NTO chiefs can participate in the Routes Leaders Forum, at which aviation leaders such as British Airways' Willie Walsh and Air Asia's Tony Fernandez will focus on the theme of sustainable growth within air transport. They can then enjoy free access to the networking village at the main Routes Forum, which is world's largest trade event for airlines and airports, expected to draw more than 3,000 delegates. And, on October 14, they can attend the annual ICAO/World Bank Civil Aviation Development Forum. While the opportunity-packed programmed is free of charge for NTO chiefs, second delegates can attend for a special fee of US$795.



Written by Ozgur Tore


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Tourism Indochina: Will there a wall around Preah Vihear Temple

Tourism Indochina: Will there a wall around Preah Vihear Temple

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-29):

According to reports from some agencies in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is planning to build a "Berlin-style" wall to shut-off Thailand and develop tourist facilities around the still disputed Preah Vihear Temple by its own.

The Cambodian government will build a series of walls at "complicated border areas," while still calling for talks to mark and properly demarcate the frontier, Camdodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith and a government spokesman told reporters at a press conference.

"Both sides should start to discuss to plant border markers from undisputed border areas to the complicated border areas and some complicated border areas will be built with border markers or concrete walls," Khieu Kanharith said.

"Cambodia will allow private companies to invest at least $2 million dollars at the Preah Vihear Temple to set up cable cars for tourists," he explained, adding that the government is also trying to rebuild an existing road to the temple.

It seems that the Preah Vihear border gate to Thailand will only be opened again, when the situation there is stable, but foreign tourists could visit the temple from the Cambodian side. At the moment, authorities have closed the temple grounds to visitors. For decades, the only way to get to Preah Vihear was through Thailand, because the temple is situated atop a sharp cliff on the Cambodian side (http://www.tourismindochina.com/history-cambodia.htm).

Cambodia and Thailand share a border of over 800km with only 73 demarcation markers, the Cambodian official said on Sunday. At a meeting on Aug 18-19, Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers agreed to arrange second-phase troop redeployment at the disputed border area near the temple.

They agreed to a meeting of the Cambodian Temporary Coordinating Task Force and the Thai Regional Border Committee on Aug 29 in Cambodia to discuss the troop redeployment.The two foreign ministers also agreed to recommend to their governments that the next meeting of legal experts and the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee be convened in early October, to discuss the issues related to border survey and demarcation of the relevant frontier sectors.

On July 15, Thai troops went into the border area to fetch three trespassers who had intended to claim Thai sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple. The incident triggered a military standoff, as troop strength on each side grew to more than 1,000 soldiers. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (or World Court) in Den Haag/Holland decided that the 11-century temple belongs to Cambodia (http://www.tourismindochina.com/preah_vehear.htm).


By Reinhard Hohler, eTN Ambassador, Chiang Mai


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Tourism Indochina: Regional tourism officials vow to protect environment

Tourism Indochina: Regional tourism officials vow to protect environment

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-02):

Greater Mekong Sub region members to draft comprehensive tourism development plan that highlights eco-tourism

Regional tourism and environmental officials have agreed to better protect their countries' natural resources in a bid to encourage eco-tourism, Tourism Minister Thong Khon told the Post Sunday following a meeting last week of members from the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS).

"All beaches, mountains, protected forest areas, bird and animal sanctuaries are to be protected for a long-term and sustainable development," Thong Khon said. He added that participants at the GMS meeting pledged to work together towards a comprehensive tourism development plan.

"As tourism continues to play an important role in the development of Cambodia, it is essential to secure a framework that allows for dialogue across the instrumental sectors of tourism, environment and the private sector," said Arjun Goswami, country director for the Asian Development Bank, which was present at the meeting.

"I am very encouraged to see that steps are being taken to further strengthen this collaboration," he said. The Kingdom's tourism sector continues to post annual growth of around 20 percent, bringing millions of visitors and much-needed revenue to the country.

But some observers warn that rapid growth in the sector may come at the expense of Cambodia's natural attractions, which risk over-development if the sector is not properly regulated. Some large resort projects in protected areas or national parks have already raised the alarm for some.

However, their supporters say these can be integrated with their surroundings, while also bringing jobs and infrastructure to some of Cambodia's most isolated areas.

"Cambodia has so many untouched areas," Thong Khon said. "Fifty percent of world travelers target natural areas, so eco-tourism must be promoted," he added.

"Angkor Wat remains Cambodia's most popular attraction, but there are many eco-tourism destinations in the coastal areas or in the provinces near Vietnam and Laos that need to be protected."

Om Pharin, vice president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said the private sector was working with GMS members to broaden the region's tourism sector to take advantage of all that the countries have to offer.

"Not every tourist loves temples or other cultural attractions," Om Pharin said. “ Nature tourism is more attractive" to many people.The GMS is comprised of Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.


Written by Kay Kimsong

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Tourism Indochina: Laos, Cambodia firm up investment, tourism ties

Tourism Indochina: Laos, Cambodia firm up investment, tourism ties

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-02):

CAMBODIA and Laos have agreed to open two new international checkpoints in an effort to boost tourism, trade and investment opportunities, officials from both countries told the Post.The checkpoints will be located along the border between Cambodia's Strung Treng province and Champassak province in Laos, and between Ratanakkiri province and Laos' Attapeu province, said Sonexay Siphandone, governor of Champassak province.

"We are preparing for two international gateways in areas where we currently have few border administration offices," Sonexay said during an interview at the Laotian embassy in Phnom Penh.He said both countries will build new terminals, border police offices and facilities for all related authorities.

The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) program is pushing for expanded service sector cooperation between Cambodian and Laos by making it easier for tourist and commercial vehicles to cross the border."In the future, we will build a modern international gateway for tourism, trade and investment," said Sonexay, who recently led a 90-member delegation on a caravan tour from Laos through Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City and back to Laos - a trip covering more than 2,200 kilometers.



Written by Kay Kimsong
Source: Phnom Penh Post

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Tourism Indochina: The announcement from APSARA Authority for Bakheng Mountain, and Baphoun Temple in Siem Reap

APSARA Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap

APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) is the Cambodian management authority responsible for protecting the archaeological park of Angkor. Founded in 1995, it is in charge of the research, protection, and conservation as well as the urban and tourist development of the park.

The announcement from APSARA Authority for Bakheng Mountain, and Baphoun Temple in Siem Reap

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-10-22)

The announcement from APSARA Authority for Bakheng Mountain, and Baphoun Temple in Siem Reap as followings:

1. 300-Person Limit for Bakheng Mountain Climbers Set: base on meeting on 18th October 2011 between the Apsara Authority and five Siem Reap tourist associations that focused on conserving the ancient site, which its damages caused by constant foot traffic of people wanting to see the sun rise and set over Bakheng Mountain. thus, Apsara Authority decided that:

- Only 300 visitors will allow to climb to Bakheng Mountain per time, not per day. It will be affected from 27th Oct 2011.

- All Visitors can stay as long as they like and tourists would be allowed into the temple between 5:30 am and 5:30 pm.

- The entrance way from the south is opened for climbing and the north will be exiting way.

- Apsara will cooperate with the Tourism Police and heritage protecting police and deploy the order tourism agents to facilitate and to show direction for tourists.

2. Re-open for visitors to visit Baphuon Temple: From 14th November 2011, Baphuon Temple will re-open again for both national and international visitors to visit.

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Tourism Indochina: High end homes slated for Sihanoukville

Tourism Indochina: High end homes slated for Sihanoukville

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-03):

A NEW luxury property development is under way in Sihanoukville with the US$40 million Hilton Park Villa, set for completion in 2010.

Built on a 13.8-hectare plot, the 324-unit housing project consists of 149 townhouses, 78 twin houses, 78 villas, and 24 hillside homes catering to the high-end segment, said the firm's marketing manager Socheat Yutharo.

The Hilton Park Villa is owned by four local business partners and started construction in May 9. Prices range from $73,000 to $335,000.As businesses flock to the seaside resort town, demand for executive housing has increased.

The city's poor infrastructure has also helped fuel demand for pre-built residential areas like Hilton Park. But high construction costs due to soaring steel and cement prices are forcing the project to increase prices.

"We will increase from seven to 10 percent ... by October because of the high price of construction materials," said Socheat Yutharo. "We have just constructed the internal concrete roads, the gate and some building infrastructure. But we have sold about 60 percent of the units," he said, adding that most customers are from Phnom Penh and overseas Cambodians.

"The hotels and guesthouses cannot meet the demand of tourists in the high season, so what happens when investors, business people and engineers who come to work [in Sihanoukville] and in the economic zones need places to live?" The company is also planning two condos on three hectares of land near the Hilton Park Villa, but has not yet determined the size of the investment.

Port development is making the town an increasingly important industrial hub.


Written by Hor Hab

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Tourism Indochina: Thailand faces internal and international conflict

Tourism Indochina: Thailand faces internal and international conflict

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-04):

Tourists in Thailand have been advised to exercise caution following a state of emergency being imposed in Bangkok yesterday after violent clashes between protesters.

At least one person was killed and dozens were injured as pro-government and anti-government demonstrators clashed with golf clubs, slings and pistols in the city centre early on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister, Samak Sundaravej, had said “I have a sword, but I have chosen not to use it,” in response to protesters who were calling for his government's resignation earlier in the week. The authorities estimate there to be around 30,000 protesters, apparently with an organized, well funded backing.

However, there was a surge in violence following threats from trade unions to cut off water and electricity supplies to show support for the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which has been occupying Government House for a week in protest at Mr Sundaravej’s government.

Tourists were stranded at Hat Yai airport, in the south of the country, as anti-government protests forced airport closures for the second time in recent days. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said: “We are advising Australians to exercise a great deal of caution and if they are in Bangkok to keep away from demonstrations.”

However a British embassy spokesman said: “We are not advising people not to come.”

The state of emergency decree gives the military the right to restore order, allows authorities to suspend certain civil liberties, including travelling freely, bans public gatherings of more than five people and bars the media from reporting news that causes panic.

Military intervention has raised fears of a second coup in three years, but Gen Anupong Paochinda, the army chief, insists his forces will not take over again. However, it is thought the PAD, formed three years ago, may have some support from Thailand's armed forces.

Thailand also faces an escalation of tensions with neighbouring Cambodia, as a dispute rages over a 1,000-year-old temple on the border of the two Southeast Asian nations.

The Preah Vihear Temple straddles the Cambodian-Thai border atop the Dangrek Mountain and was listed as a World Heritage Site on July 7 by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

Although the site was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, the only reliable maps of the jungle-covered region show that the temple ruins actually stand on Thai territory.

Thailand decided this week to stake its claim to the land around the site by moving in 1,500 troops and heavy artillery. Cambodia responded with a similar show of force, and the two sides now stand at an impasse as the Cambodian government spoke of an “imminent threat of war”.


By: Toby Cohen

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Tourism Indochina: Asian nations urge citizens against Thailand travel

Tourism Indochina: Asian nations urge citizens against Thailand travel

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-04):

SINGAPORE - Thailand's lucrative tourism industry faced a rash of cancellations after several Asian countries urged their citizens on Tuesday to avoid travelling there during the current political crisis.

South Korea and Singapore issued advisories urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel, while Australia and Taiwan advised nationals to be extra vigilant.

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in Bangkok earlier on Tuesday, giving the army control of public order after a man died in overnight clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters.

Under the sweeping emergency powers announced on television and radio, all public gatherings in the capital are banned and restrictions imposed on media reports that 'undermined public security'.

Although the deployment of troops will come as welcome relief to the overstretched police -- who have been dealing with anti-government protests for over three months -- it raises the spectre of an army seizure of power less than two years after the military kicked out then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Samak later told a news conference the emergency action would not last more than a few days.

POPULAR WITH TOURISTS

Thailand is a hugely popular tourist destination for visitors from Asia and further abroad. It also draws hundreds of thousands of business visitors each year.'If Singaporeans do not have a pressing need to travel to Bangkok, they are advised to postpone the travel to a later date,' the Singapore ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.

'We ask those who plan trips to Thailand to please avoid travel there until the situation stabilises,' South Korea's foreign ministry said from Seoul.

The Australian government left its overall warning unchanged but urged travellers to take extra care.

'Travellers should exercise a high degree of vigilance at this time because of the political unrest,' the travel advisory from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said. 'There have been instances of violence including one reported death and several injuries. Further violence cannot be ruled out.

'You should avoid demonstrations, political rallies and concentrations of military personnel and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.'

China's Foreign Ministry has not yet issued any travel warning to the many Chinese tourists who visit Thailand, but on Monday the Ministry issued a notice on its website (www.fmprc.gov.cn) noting that the protests and threatened airport closures 'may create transport difficulties'.

'The Foreign Ministry suggests that Chinese citizens and groups travelling to Thailand pay attention to the situation and accordingly adjust their itinerary,' it said.


By forbes.com

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Tourism Indochina: Foreign arrivals down 30 percent in Bangkok: industry group

Tourism Indochina: Foreign arrivals down 30 percent in Bangkok: industry group

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2008-09-05):

BANGKOK — Arrivals of foreign tourists in Bangkok are down 30 percent, the Association of Thai Travel Agents said Thursday, blaming the drop on a state of emergency declared three days ago in the capital.

Bangkok's international airport normally receives an average of 8,000 to 10,000 foreign visitors a day, the group's president, Apichart Sankary, told AFP. But arrivals now are 30 percent below average, he said.

"The political turmoil has badly affected the travel and tourism business in Thailand," Apichart said, adding that 13 countries have issued warnings about travel here.

He said the fall-off in arrivals began after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in Bangkok on Tuesday following bloody clashes between rival activists that left one of Samak's supporters dead.

The decline is already costing Thailand 400 million baht (11.7 million dollars) a day in lost revenue, Apichart said. On an average day, the country earns about 1.5 billion baht from tourism.

"Most of the foreign visitors are tourists who expect to have a good time in Thailand. If the government cannot resolve the problems properly and quickly, we may see a weaker future for the business," he said.

Last weekend anti-government protesters calling for Samak's resignation shuttered three key tourist airports for two days, stranding thousands of travelers. Rail services in southern Thailand have also been disrupted for a week.

Apichart said the closure of the airport in Phuket alone caused losses of about 750 million baht. Tourism generates about six percent of the national economy, and Thailand had expected the industry to earn about 600 billion baht (17.5 billion dollars) this year.

But industry groups fear the ongoing protests could spark even more cancellations, just as the peak tourism season here begins in October.


By AFP

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia new domestic direct flight route from Siem Reap to SihanoukVille

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia new domestic direct flight route from Siem Reap to SihanoukVille

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-10-21):

One new Direct flight in Cambodia from Siem Reap to SihanoukVille Cambodia Angkor Air has a great pleasure to introduce a new flight from Siem Reap to Sihanouk Ville, a coastal area of Kingdom of Cambodia. The flight will be kicked off on 14th December 2011. Booking and reservation is available now. Email to : ticketing@tourismindochina.com

Cambodia Angkor Air is the national flag carrier airline of Cambodia, headquartered in Phnom Penh. It commenced operations on 28 July 2009. The airline is owned by the Cambodian Government (51%) and Vietnam Airlines (49%), the latter allowing for codeshare flights.

Cambodia Angkor Air was founded on 27 July 2009, replacing national airline Royal Air Cambodge, which had gone bankrupt in 2001, concentrating on serving tourist routes within Cambodia, most notably catering for visitors of Angkor Wat.

Destinations

Cambodia Angkor Air serves the following destinations.

* Cambodia:

--> Phnom Penh – Phnom Penh International Airport
--> Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport

* Vietnam:

--> Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport


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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia, environmentally sustainable tourism to save Mekong dolphin

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia, environmentally sustainable tourism to save Mekong dolphin

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-08):

Over fishing, war, and pollution have decimated the dolphins, and only a few dozen of them are left. Environmentalists have begun a project aimed at contributing to the development of the villages and to saving the dolphins, but their numbers continue to diminish.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Saving the few dozen freshwater dolphins still remaining in the Mekong River, and helping the local population by guaranteeing them a source of livelihood: this is the aim of the "ecotourism" project begun in the border area between Laos and Cambodia by the Cambodia Rural Development Team (CRDT), which has the twofold objective of protecting wildlife and providing an alternative source of income for the inhabitants of the villages.

For centuries, the waters of the Mekong River - which crosses China, Laos, and Cambodia, before reaching the ocean in Vietnam - were the uncontested habitat of thousands of freshwater dolphins. The Sino-Indian War and the increase of industrialization, together with high pollution levels, have decimated the species, only a few dozen of which survive; 71, according to the latest count provided by the World Wildlife Fund.

The village of Sambor, in the north of Cambodia, is one of the places selected by the CRDT as a model of environmentally sustainable development: tourists are given the opportunity to live in contact with the local population, to help the inhabitants protect the natural habitat of the dolphins, and to teach a little English to the children. The most frequently requested activities include well digging, sewer construction, and work in the fields.

The experiment promoted by the activists is intended to save the dolphins from extinction by radically changing the habits of the inhabitants of the village, who for decades have used aggressive fishing methods like explosives and high-capacity nets. Now the freshwater dolphins are seen as a resource to be "exploited" in order to attract foreign capital and tourism; the visitors pay 60 US dollars for three days in contact with nature, and the money is used to support the local population. In a country in which half the population lives on a dollar a day, the inhabitants of the village earn five dollars a day by providing food (two dollars) and lodging (three dollars) for the visitors.

But recent studies have demonstrated that if the benefit for individuals is beyond question, the same cannot be said for the dolphins: in spite of a small increase in their numbers in the initial phase of the project, it is not yet clear whether this is truly effective for preserving the species. Scientists affirm that a new and not yet identified disease is spreading rapidly, killing the offspring. Researchers fear that the new virus - caused by pollution in the water, infested with chemical agents and the runoff from gold mining projects - could soon lead to the total extinction of the dolphins.


Source Asianews

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Tourism Indochina: Asia Pacific tourism revenues set to rise by 2010

Tourism Indochina: Asia Pacific tourism revenues set to rise by 2010

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-11):

Tourism revenues in the Asia Pacific region will increase to 4.6 trillion U.S. dollars with visitor arrivals reaching close to 500 million by the end of 2010, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) said on Wednesday.

In its newly-published Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2008-2010, officially launched here on Wednesday in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the PATA said that despite concerns over a U.S. recession, it predicts a bright future for the region, with China and South Korea set to generate strong outbound growth to Asia Pacific destinations.

Despite regional stock market volatility and uncertainty over local impacts of a possible U.S. recession, the PATA predicts robust average annual growth rates of between 7 percent and 8 percent in the region.

John Koldowski, director of PATA's strategic intelligence center, said that as much as two-thirds of all international arrivals into Asia Pacific are generated from within the region.

He said that Asian markets will inevitably be impacted by a slowdown in the U.S. economy triggered by the credit crunch. However, the medium-term outlook for most Asian economies is very strong with growth rates well above world averages.

As for Singapore's tourism sector, the PATA said in its annual forecasts that with 10.3 million visitor arrivals recorded for 2007 and 12 million forecasts for 2010, the city state is well on track to achieve its goal of 17 million arrivals in 2015.


PATA

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Tourism Indochina: Bangkok Airways offers a new speedy service with web check in

Tourism Indochina: Bangkok Airways offers a new speedy service with web check in

Bangkok Airways Co., Ltd. is a regional airline based in Chatuchak District, Bangkok, Thailand. It operates scheduled services to destinations in Thailand, Cambodia, China, Laos, Maldives, Burma, India and Singapore. Its main base is Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok.

The airline was established in 1968 as Sahakol Air operating air-taxi services under contract from Overseas International Construction Company (OICC) an American construction company, United States Operations Mission (USOM) and a number of other organisations engaged in oil and natural-gas exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. It began scheduled services in 1986, becoming Thailand's first privately-owned domestic airline. It re-branded to become Bangkok Airways in 1989. The airline is owned by Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth (92.31%), Sahakol Estate (4.3%), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (1.2%) and other shareholders (2.19%). It has 1,903 employees and also wholly owns subsidiary airline Siem Reap Airways.

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-11):

BANGKOK – Recently, Bangkok Airways began “Web Check-In” service for passengers traveling from its key domestic routes. The service enables passengers to easily check-in online and select their preferred seat as early as 24 hours prior departure, by clicking on “Web Check-In” at www.bangkokair.com. Passengers simply bring their printed boarding pass to the designated counter for quick ID verification and baggage check (if needed).

The airline will initially offer Web Check-In service to passengers who fly from Bangkok, Samui and Phuket to other domestic destinations and will apply this service to its other destinations in the near future.


By eTN

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Tourism Indochina: No room at the inn

Tourism Indochina: No room at the inn

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-12):

The number of high-end hotel rooms serving luxury and business travelers is failing to keep up with strong annual tourism growth, officials say CAMBODIA is facing a shortfall of 3,000 hotel rooms in the face of tourist arrivals growing at an annual rate of up to 20 percent, said a tourism official in Phnom Penh.

"There is a shortage of about 1,500 hotel rooms in Phnom Penh and of about 1,500 rooms in Sihanoukville due to tourist growth and the business boom," said Kousoum Saroeuth, director general for the Ministry of Tourism.

"But the shortage is mainly for high-end hotels."

He added, "We have enough hotels and guesthouses for common tourists, but we need more high-end hotels for luxury tourists and business people."

He said that Cambodia had about 350 hotels with roughly 20,000 rooms, including 140 in Phnom Penh, 100 in Siem Reap, about 50 in Sihanoukville, with the rest in other provinces.

The hotel industry was a major revenue-earner but no figures were available on how much hotels earn every year, Kousoum Saroeuth said.

He noted that two million tourists were visiting Cambodia every year, generating revenues of about US$1.4 billion last year. He added that tourism was responsible for generating about 300,000 jobs.

So Mara, undersecretary of state at the Tourism Ministry, said that even with the shortfall, the industry had grown quickly to meet demand.

"The good side is that this industry is mostly owned by local investors, so revenues are not flowing out of the country," he said. "Tourism has grown about 19 percent year-on-year, so demand for accommodation will grow, too."

But Cambodian Hotel Association President Luu Meng said there was still too little investment in top-end accommodation.

"In this industry, what we need is high-class hotels for high-class guests. Currently, we have a lot of hotels, but only a few are top class," Luu Meng said.

He noted that the hotel industry was responsible for creating about 22,000 jobs in the Kingdom but that the industry carried risks for investors as it was vulnerable to economic downturns and political instability.

Regional hotels have also been affected by high fuel prices and increased airfares, as well as a slowing global economy, he added.

"Security and safety are the major priority for this sector, and road infrastructure comes next," Luu Meng said.

Kousoum Saroeuth said that, in a bid to strengthen the hotel industry, the Tourism Ministry would require hotels to obtain proper classifications or risk having their licences pulled.

The classification ranges from one to five stars, he said. "Since the sub decree on hotel classification took effect in 2003 ... only 15 out of 350 hotels in Cambodia have been classified: 12 in Siem Reap, two in Phnom Penh and one in Sihanoukville."

He said that, since 2003, the Ministry of Tourism has warned hotel owners to apply with the ministry for classifications, but most had ignored the notice.

"As soon as the new government is formed, if hotel owners still ignore having their hotels classified, they will be denied extensions to their operating licences, which they need to apply for every year," he said.

The hotel standards conformed to ASEAN rules, he said, and "will build credibility among foreigners as well as trust that the hotels they are staying in are as good as others in ASEAN. It will also allow hotels to promote themselves and strengthen their service."

He said that the classification procedures were not complicated and would take only three days to complete.


Written by Nguon Sovan

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Tourism Indochina: Festivities mark launch of second Cambodian Open

Tourism Indochina: Festivities mark launch of second Cambodian Open

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-09-15):

But rumors abound whether spirit of Jerry Garcia will move Bryan Saltus to defend title DETAILS of the second Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open 2008 golf tournament to be held at the Sofitel Hotel's Phokeethra Country Club golf course in Siem Reap from December 8 to December 14 were unveiled at an extravagant launch earlier this week.

The launch kicked off with a welcome dinner in the Sofitel ballroom on Monday evening, followed by a press conference at Angkor Wat on Tuesday morning, followed by an official lunch, followed by a round of "friendship" golf for supporters, sponsors and the media.

Dignitaries present included Hor Sarun, deputy director of the Ministry of Tourism; So Mara, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Tourism; Bun Tharith, deputy governor of Siem Reap province; and Chau Sun Kerya, director of the Department of Cultural Development Museum and Heritage Norms.

Heavyweights from Thailand included Sofitel Southeast Asia vice president Christophe Caron and Suttiluk Samranyoo, deputy managing director of Thai Nakorn Patana Co Ltd, the Bangkok-based pharmaceutical giant that developed the hotel.

The Cambodian Open is the kingdom's only international golf tournament and is part of a record 2008 Asian Tour schedule of 30 tournaments with almost US$40 million on offer.

Asian Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia and is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours, the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia.

The prize purse at this year's Cambodian Open is a handy $300,000, and the format is a 72-holes stroke event played in accordance with the Asian Tour regulations. There will also be a pro-am event on the Wednesday before the tournament, in what is billed as "tournament week".

Asian Tour senior vice president Gerry Norquist was also at the launch and he said that, through the Cambodian Open, "this emerging nation will once again be showcased to the world. As the only professional golf tournament in Cambodia, the Asian Tour will greatly enhance the landscape of professional golf in Cambodia and hopefully unearth new home-grown talents."

While last year's inaugural Open didn't unearth a wealth of local talent, it did launch an American oddity into cult figure status on the Asian golfing circuit, in the guise of Bryan Saltus, a veteran attendee of 150 Grateful Dead concerts which, while in itself has nothing to do with golf, has everything to do with him playing golf. He said he had a "religious experience" at a Dead concert in Las Vegas in 1993 in the form of a dream that he would one day win the US Masters.

On August 9, 1995, Grateful Dead's leader Jerry Garcia died, and Saltus' reaction was to immediately turn pro.

He's been hacking around golf courses ever since, with his awkward style gaining him a modicum of recognition in Golfweek, which wrote, "It's hard not to be amused by his golf swing. Unorthodox hardly begins to describe it."

He surprised everybody, probably including himself, by winning the first Cambodia Open after edging out Australian Adam Groom.

He celebrated his maiden Asian Tour win by jumping into the lake near the 18th green, crediting the unlikely victory to a new putter, after tossing his previous putter into another lake after missing the cut by one shot the week before in Vietnam. And, of course, he dedicated the win to the Grateful Dead.

Can he do it again in Cambodia this year? Will he even appear? The Cambodia Open 2008 press release states he will "undoubtedly be amongst the contenders again." When pressed whether "undoubtedly" means there is doubt about whether he will front, Sofitel clubhouse manager Maximilian Kaendler said Saltus has signed on and would play if there were no preventive misfortunes such as ill health or injuries, Or perhaps a Grateful Dead concert.


Written By Peter Olszewski

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