Experts say Cambodia ready for high-end tourists

• 16 September 2019
• Local News
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Experts from across the hospitality industry gathered last week to discuss investment opportunities in the tourism sector, citing that Cambodia is now ready for high-end tourists.

Under the theme “Hospitality and Investment Trends in Cambodia”, the event was held on 12 September 2019 at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and was organised by London-based real estate service provider Savills Hotels.

“Cambodian tourism has moved away from only being available to experienced travellers and has opened to business travellers, larger groups and new categories such as wellness and high net worth travelers,” said Mr Mauro Gasparotti, Director of Savills Hotels Asia Pacific.

According to Mr Mauro, the event was held to inspire developers with new trends and products while encouraging them to embrace new hospitality elements into their new developments.

“With Cambodia rising on the ranks in the tourism scene, we are seeing increasing interest by international businesses to enter the market and encouraging efforts by the government to boost its tourism appeal through infrastructure development,” said Mr Christian Pucher, Senior Director of Development, Asia at Hilton.

With lots of opportunities presented in the tourism industry, Cambodia is seeing a lot of attention from international developers and investors.

At the same time, global brand Hilton has signed a management agreement with real estate firm GFC to open the first Hilton hotel in Phnom Penh. (Read more)

“Today’s signing of Hilton Phnom Penh with our partners GFC Company Limited represents our confidence in Cambodia and we are delighted to be entering with no less than our flagship Hilton brand when we open in 2022,” said Mr Christian.

However, Mr Mauro pointed out that as growth comes, overdevelopment and over-tourism will be a challenge.

“Great opportunities are open to developers and investors who understand future change’’ he said white pointing that there is a need to balance between growth and sustainability.

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