By:
• Isa Rohany

• August 27, 2024 , 9:50 AM

SIEM REAP– In an effort to improve visitor convenience, Angkor Enterprise is set to roll out new e-ticket vending machines near the major temple entrances of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Starting in October, tourists will be able to purchase their tickets directly from these machines, eliminating the need to visit the enterprise's main office.

According to Ly Se, director-general of Angkor Enterprise, this initiative aims to provide a more seamless and efficient ticketing experience for visitors.

"To make it easier for foreign visitors to get their Angkor passes," Ly Se explained, "we're working with the private sector to set up on-site ticket vendors. This means tourists can buy their tickets directly at the temples."

He continued, "We're also focusing on improving wi-fi and electricity in the area so visitors can have a smooth experience. There’s no longer any need to travel to our office on Road 60 – which is 4 kilometres away from Siem Reap’s centre.”

Ly Se outlined the challenges and potential solutions for online ticket sales at the Angkor Archaeological Park. He highlighted the low adoption rate of online ticketing, attributing it primarily to the requirement for visitor photos.

"Only 20% of visitors have been buying tickets online in the past seven months," Ly Se noted.

“One reason for this is that we require photos for identification, which can be inconvenient,” he said. “We're considering removing this requirement for one-day passes. For longer stays of 3 to 7 days, we're still working on a solution that doesn't rely on photos."

The director-general also unveiled plans to offer tourists greater flexibility in exploring the ancient temple complex.

"Angkor Enterprise is developing flexible ticketing options to better serve tourists with limited time or budgets," he said. "This could mean, for example, allowing visitors to purchase tickets only for specific temples like Angkor Wat."

He continued, "We've been collaborating with APSARA authorities and are awaiting a final decision on ticket pricing from the government and our board.”

“We anticipate this process will take 5-6 months,” he added. “These changes will benefit tourists by offering more choices and potentially boosting ticket revenue in the Angkor region."