The '1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024' was officially launched in New Delhi on Monday. The ceremony, attended by top officials from both countries' tourism ministries, marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. Long Phirum, Secretary of State at Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism, and Manisha Saxena, Director General (Tourism) at India's Ministry of Tourism, inaugurated the event with a traditional drum ceremony. The gathering included government officials, tour operators, and businessmen from both nations.
Phirum highlighted the importance of the 2024 tourism designation, emphasizing its potential to strengthen cultural and economic ties. The launch also celebrated the new direct flight service between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, a significant development in fostering closer connectivity between the two countries.
A day before the tourism year launch, Cambodia Angkor Air commenced its first-ever direct flight service between Phnom Penh and New Delhi. The service, operating four times a week, aims to enhance travel convenience and boost tourism, trade, and investment between Cambodia and India. Cambodian delegates, including many high-ranking officials, arrived in New Delhi on the inaugural flight.
Cambodian Ambassador to India, Koy Kuong, expressed optimism about the new direct flights, predicting positive impacts on various areas of cooperation. He noted that easier travel would likely increase tourist numbers, enhance investment opportunities, and improve trade volume. The flights are expected to facilitate not only tourism but also significant business and governmental exchanges, strengthening bilateral relations further.
The event also featured cultural performances by Cambodian artists, underscoring the rich heritage shared by both nations. Saxena emphasized the historical trade and cultural ties between India and Cambodia, suggesting that the new tourism initiatives and direct flights would help citizens rediscover commonalities and foster economic growth.