SIEM REAP – Siem Reap-Angkor International Arts Performance has celebrated the diverse arts, cultures and traditions of Cambodia and other countries, aiming to foster ties and promote tourism. 

Held at the Royal Residence Park on March 15 and organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the event featured performances from artists from Cambodia, India, ASEAN countries, Central Asia and Europe.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak said the event played a crucial role in promoting people-to-people exchanges by connecting arts, culture and traditions to attract tourists, particularly the Siem Reap-Angkor World Heritage site, and to draw in more foreign investors.

Siem Reap Deputy governor Ngov Sengkak expressed his thanks to the government for organizing events to boost the province’s tourism sector.

He also revealed plans to organise a golf tournament on April 12 and 13 before the Angkor Sangkranta. 

In the Sangkranta event which will be held on April 14 through 16, Sengkak anticipates a large turnout and for it to contribute to the country’s economic growth. 

“We hope that domestic and foreign tourists will extend their holidays longer during the Khmer New Year in the province, benefiting local communities working in tourism,” he said. 

Huot Hak said the ministry is working on diversifying the tourism market with a focus on attracting Muslim tourists from Arab and Middle Eastern countries, as well as encouraging direct flights from major partner countries during the green season. 

In 2024, Cambodia welcomed around 6.7 million foreign tourists, up 23 percent from 2023. With continuing efforts and the ministry’s strategic plans for 2025, Huot Hak anticipates that the country will receive between 7.2 and 7.5 million foreign tourists this year.

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.