cam03

Cambodia: Thai group launches tourism food centre

The Thalias Hospitality Group on Thursday launched its Assessment Centre for Tourism Professionals in Food Production in Phnom Penh.

The group expects the centre to strengthen human resources in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Minister of Tourism Thong Khon, who attended the launch, said the centre will promote food safety in line with international standards which, he said, is key to attracting tourists.

“The development of human resources in the tourism sector through the training and evaluation of tourism experts is one of the Ministry of Tourism’s top priority goals and is also in response to Asean’s strategic plan,” the minister said.

Accreditation of the centre is in line with the government’s 2017-2025 Tourism Human Resource Development Strategic Plan, he said.

“We will encourage stakeholders, tourism professional training institutes, staff, especially chefs, to promote and participate and further evaluate their capabilities,” said Khon.

The ministry’s spokesman Top Sopheak said the centre will help attract tourists and tourism development.

“The centre is designed to improve our food quality and safety with the support of our customers and tourists. We want to promote Cambodian cuisine and obtain international recognition,” said Sopheak.

He said the ministry will organise the First International Conference on Cambodia Gastronomy and Food Tourism to be held on August 21 in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents adviser Hor Vandy said the centre will provide specialised food skills for those who wish to learn them.

“The centre, which teaches tourism and catering skills, can offer tourists confidence through catering services,” he said.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism in the first half of this year Cambodia received about 3.3 million international tourists, an increase of 11.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.

According to the Angkor Enterprise, revenue from foreign tourist ticket sales to Angkor Archaeological Park was worth over $62.3 million in the first seven months of this year, down 10.56 per cent from the same period last year.

Source: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/thai-group-launches-tourism-food-centre