New Delhi hosted the inauguration of the ‘1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ on Monday, coinciding with the launch of Cambodia Angkor Air’s direct flight service between Phnom Penh and New Delhi. The ceremony, which highlighted the new connection, was led by Manisha Saxena, Director General (Tourism) of India’s Ministry of Tourism, and Long Phirum, Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism.
Addressing the audience of government officials, tour operators, and businesspeople from both nations, Saxena and Phirum stressed the significance of this initiative. Phirum, speaking in Cambodian, called the designation of 2024 as the Cambodia-India Tourism Year a ‘significant milestone’ and celebrated the new direct air link. The flights, operating four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, began on June 16 and aim to enhance tourism and business exchanges between the two capitals.
Key attendees included Cambodian Ambassador Koy Kuong and Seila Hul, Under Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism. Many Cambodian delegates arrived in India on the inaugural flight.
Manisha Saxena expressed optimism that the new direct flight and the tourism year initiative would help citizens of both countries rediscover their common heritage, boosting economic opportunities and fostering mutual understanding. The event highlighted the deep cultural and historical connections between India and Cambodia, reinforced by ongoing cooperation efforts.
These efforts are rooted in a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding and the work of joint working groups, the latest of which met in February 2024 to discuss tourism development and partnerships.
Source: Hotelier India
