The “1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year” was launched in New Delhi on Monday during a ceremony attended by many top officials from the tourism ministries of both countries.
The event also celebrated the launch of the first air service between Phnom Penh and New Delhi a day earlier. Long Phirum, secretary of state of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, and Manisha Saxena, director general (tourism) of the Indian Ministry of Tourism, jointly launched the “1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024” with traditional drumming on the dais. Both Saxena and Phirum addressed the gathering, which included government officials, tour operators from both countries and many Indian businessmen who interacted with Cambodian officials and others.
Phirum described the designation of 2024 as the "Cambodia-India Tourism Year" as a "significant milestone". She also reminded that the "historic direct air link" between Phnom Penh and New Delhi was also celebrated in Phnom Penh yesterday.
Cambodia's national flag carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air, launched the first direct flights between the two countries on 16 June, flying four times a week.
Cambodia's ambassador to New Delhi, Koy Kuong, and Seila Hul, undersecretary of state for the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, also attended the event. There were also some colourful performances by a troupe of Cambodian artists for this event held at a Shangri-La Delhi hotel.
Saxena said there were many similarities between the two cultures, "the tangible and intangible heritage that we have, the launch of this flight and the Cambodia-India Tourism Year will really help citizens on both sides to rediscover that commonality. It will be a great driver, bringing economic opportunities for tourism businesses. It will bring prosperity and better understanding between the two countries," she said.
According to representatives from both countries, the year 2024 is a pivotal moment to enhance tourism cooperation and cultural understanding between Cambodia and India. The grand opening of the Cambodia-India Tourism Year in the heart of New Delhi showcases the mutual respect and admiration between the two countries, paving the way for a year of engaging activities, tourism promotions and meaningful cultural exchanges.
The initiative aims not only to attract more visitors from India to explore the mystical landscapes and historical wonders of Cambodia, but also to invite Cambodian travellers to discover the diverse cultural and natural beauty of India.
Through such initiatives, both nations seek to strengthen their ties, promote peace and friendship, and contribute to the prosperity of their tourism industries.