The inaugural ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ was recently launched on Monday during a grand ceremony held in New Delhi. This landmark event witnessed the presence of prominent officials from the tourism ministries of both nations.
The ceremony also marked the commencement of the first direct flight service between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, initiated a day earlier. Long Phirum, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, and Manisha Saxena, Director General (Tourism) for the Ministry of Tourism of India, jointly inaugurated the ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024’ by beating traditional drums on stage.
Both Saxena and Phirum addressed an audience that included government officials, tour operators, and business leaders from India, who engaged with Cambodian officials and delegates. Speaking in Cambodian, Phirum hailed the designation of 2024 as the ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ as a “significant milestone.” She also highlighted the “historic direct air link” between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, which was celebrated in Phnom Penh on June 16.
Cambodia Angkor Air, the national flag carrier of Cambodia, commenced the first-ever direct flight services between the two countries on June 16. The flights will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Several Cambodian delegates arrived in India on the inaugural flight from Phnom Penh.
The event was graced by the presence of Cambodian Ambassador to India Koy Kuong and Seila Hul, Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia. The ceremony also featured vibrant performances by a troupe of Cambodian artists, adding a cultural touch to the ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024’ celebrations held at a luxury hotel in Delhi.
“Trade and cultural ties between India and Cambodia are deeply historical and centuries-old,” Saxena told PTI on the sidelines of the event. She emphasized the shared cultural heritage and the potential for the newly launched flight and the tourism year to foster greater economic opportunities and mutual understanding.
Angkor, located in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites. The complex, which includes the renowned Temple of Angkor Wat, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’ promises to be a transformative period, enhancing tourism, economic prospects, and cultural exchange between the two countries, as they rediscover their shared heritage and historical connections.
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