On 3 Oct 2020, the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia celebrated the World Tourism Day 2020 under the theme of Tourism and Rural Development, presided over by H.E. Dr. THONG Khon, Minister of Tourism in Siem Reap – Angkor, Home of World Heritages. This event amid the COVID-19 pandemic was organized in respect with safety and health guidelines. The celebrations also highlighted the efforts made by UNWTO, ASEAN Member States to address the challenges faced by all member countries. Cambodia, as the chair of ATF 2021 shows its high commitment to bring back tourism.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Thong Khon stressed the necessity to explore the possibility of considering ASEAN Travel Bubble. He also congratulated the achievement of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) in starting the development of ASEAN Tourism Safety and Hygiene Guideline and ASEAN Tourism Post COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
World Tourism Day is usually celebrated by UNWTO member countries on 27 Sept or beyond to disseminate the future perspectives of tourism in a specific direction so as to contribute to the world agenda. This year is “Tourism and Rural Development” with a special focus on how to restart tourism and how to transform tourism potentials as a driver for more resilient and responsible manner.
At the beginning of the celebrations, the congratulatory message from Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia was read out and highlighted the important roles of tourism in enhancing rural development. The hall also appreciated the key messages from H.E. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General and H.E. Zurabl Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary General.
