Cambodia and Vietnam Forge Closer Tourism Ties with Feasibility Study to Connect Phu Quoc and Key Cambodian Destinations

• 10 May 2023
• Local News
• 5482 Views

In a landmark development for regional tourism, Cambodia and Vietnam have embarked on a joint feasibility study to establish connectivity between the idyllic island of Phu Quoc (or Koh Tral) and two prominent tourist destinations in Cambodia. This significant agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam on 6th May 2023.

The Memorandum of Understanding, an updated iteration of the 2015 Tourism Cooperation Agreement between the two nations, underscores their shared commitment to sustainable tourism development, environmental preservation, and post-pandemic resilience.

Embodying the essence of this historic agreement, HE Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, and HE Nguyen Van Hong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, have jointly resolved to explore the feasibility of direct flight connections between Cambodia and Vietnam’s renowned tourist destinations. Specifically, they aim to establish air routes linking Phu Quoc and Siem Reap Angkor, as well as to connect the port of Kampot in Cambodia with the Phu Quoc tourist port in Vietnam.

Such initiatives are poised to catalyze tourism growth and foster deeper cultural exchange between the two nations, building upon previous bilateral discussions. (Read more)

The collaboration between Cambodia and Vietnam extends beyond air connectivity. Both countries have already endorsed six action plans that encompass sea routes linking tourist destinations and the joint construction of cruise ships. These efforts form an integral part of the South Sea Tourism Corridor Cooperation, with notable highlights being the development of the Kampot Tourist Port and the Bai Vong Tourist Port. (Read more)

HE Minister Thong Khon has emphasized the potential of connecting the Kampot tourist port to Phu Quoc, asserting that robust development in Kampot and Kep provinces will enable Cambodia to attract an increased influx of tourists from Vietnam. This vision involves establishing high-speed ferry services that seamlessly link tourist hubs from Koh Tral (Phu Quoc) to the ports of Kampot and Kep. (Read more)

Additionally, the Ministry is actively exploring the creation of special tour packages to promote Siem Reap as a preferred destination for tourists traveling from Koh Tral. These initiatives aim to enhance tourist mobility and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations. (Read more)

The collaboration between Cambodia and Vietnam extends beyond tourism, as the Vietnamese side has extended an invitation to the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia for an official visit to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two National Olympic Committees. This exchange aims to facilitate knowledge sharing on the management of National Sports Federations and sports event organization.

As Cambodia and Vietnam embark on this transformative journey of enhanced tourism connectivity, the prospects for enriching cultural exchanges, fostering economic growth, and nurturing enduring friendships between the two nations appear brighter than ever.

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