The Ministry of Tourism has instructed provincial authorities in the Kingdom’s coastal areas to ensure that tourism service standards are kept high, ahead of next month’s Sea Festival.
Round three of the 10th Sea Festival will be held in Kep province from December 1 to 3, and will also feature an exhibition of locally produced goods.
An October 30 letter by minister Sok Soken instructed the provincial tourism departments of Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep to work closely with provincial administrations and the private sector to ensure standards remain high.
It instructed each department to advise the owners of all tourism-related businesses of the importance of paying close attention to the safety of tourists. This include cleanliness and hygiene, as well as transportation and sports or adventure activities.
“The prices of all goods and services shall be clearly stated to allow tourists to consider their spending, and prevent misunderstandings,” it said, suggesting that prices should be set to appropriate levels, regardless of the date, in order to provide good value.
Soken reminded businesses to pay close attention to public bathrooms, noting that they should be cleaned regularly, that soap should be provided, and that separate facilities should be offered by gender.
Shops and other businesses should also be decorated in ways that represent the Khmer culture or the unique provincial identity, and should not breach Khmer traditions.
Kep governor Som Piseth could not be reached for more information on October 31.
Ho Vandy, an adviser to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, explained on October 31 that although the Kingdom celebrates the sea and river festivals every year, the association expects this year’s event to boost domestic tourism.
“Our expectation is that this sea festival will attract tourists. This will allow people in tourism-related fields to earn additional income for their families,” he said.
He added that the Sea Festival is also expected to increase the number of foreign tourists visiting the coastal provinces, although not as many as some other national holidays.
On October 30, the Ministry of Commerce invited local artisans and producers of high quality Cambodian products to apply for booths at the planned Sea Festival showcase. It explained that the exhibition would be an excellent opportunity to make sales, as well as network with potential business partners.
“The ministry will give priority to innovative products and services which meet the highest safety standards and are attractively packaged,” said the announcement.
