The first Cambodia-India Year of Tourism was launched in New Delhi on Monday. The ceremony also celebrated the launch of Cambodia Angkor Air’s direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi the previous day. The ceremony was officiated by Manisha Saxena, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism of India, and Ron Piram, Secretary of State for Tourism of Cambodia.
Saxena and Phiram stressed the importance of the initiative while addressing government officials, travel agents and businesspeople from both countries. Speaking in Cambodian, Phiram highlighted the designation of 2024 as the Cambodia-India Year of Tourism as a “significant milestone.” He also noted that the launch of a new direct flight between the two capitals will be celebrated in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia’s national airline Cambodia Angkor Air launched its first direct flight between Phnom Penh and New Delhi on June 16. The flight operates four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. A large Cambodian delegation arrived in India on this inaugural flight.
Also attending the Delhi event were Cambodian Ambassador Khoi Cuong and Deputy Minister of Tourism Seyra Hulu of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Manisha Saxena expressed optimism that the new flight and the Cambodia-India Tourism Year will encourage the people of both countries to rediscover their common heritage, which she believes will increase economic opportunities for the tourism industry and foster greater mutual prosperity and understanding.
The event highlighted the historical ties between India and Cambodia, touching on deep-rooted cultural and religious links spanning over a millennium. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised the importance of these ties on a number of occasions, including during the Cambodian Prime Minister’s visit to India in January 2018, and the two leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration and cooperation in the field of tourism,” Saxena said.
The MoU signed between India and Cambodia in 2015 and the activities of the Joint Working Group have laid a solid foundation for continued cooperation in the tourism sector. The fourth Joint Working Group meeting held in February 2024 demonstrates this commitment and will focus on key areas such as information exchange on tourist arrivals, infrastructure development, tourism and hospitality training programs, and exploring joint venture partnerships in the hotel industry.
Cambodia-based tourism advisor Dr Mohan Gunti emphasised how important this year is for the Cambodia-India travel and tourism sector. “This year is a turning point for the Cambodia-India travel and tourism sector,” he said, referring to the launch ceremony of the inaugural Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024. “This is the beginning of a success story. Tourism is one of the four pillars of the Cambodian economy,” he stressed.
“This direct connection between Cambodia and India opens up even more opportunities between our two countries and we know we have the power to drive growth and serve our communities through economic and social transformation,” he said, describing it as a “direct people-to-people gateway and business investment opportunities.”
He expressed optimism about the new flight route, saying it is “poised for success.” He commended Cambodia Angkor Air, the only national airline, for its role in promoting tourism and socio-economic development with the launch of this new route. “This connection will not only boost tourism and trade but also foster deeper cultural and economic ties,” he added. Furthermore, Dr Ghunti highlighted the potential for the development of medical tourism, saying it will “improve access to quality and affordable healthcare in India.”