Cambodia and Indonesia discuss direct air connection

• Feb 06, 2018

Cambodia and Indonesia agreed to cooperate to boost their tourism markets, particularly by enhancing air connectivity and by jointly managing their most iconic tourism sites.

During an official visit to Indonesia last week, Prak Sokhonn, the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, suggested both governments work together to bolster their tourism sectors and stated the need to establish a direct air link between the kingdom and its regional neighbour.

“We need more cooperation between our governments, particularly in the management of tourism sites.

“We need to discuss future direct flights between our countries,” Mr Sokhonn told Indonesian Vice- President Jusuf Kalla.

Both agreed to cooperate to promote the key tourist sites of Borobudur, in Central Java, and Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, both of which are UNESCO-recog-nised world heritage sites.

Sin Chansereyvutha, spokesman at the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said insufficient demand for the service is the main reason no airline has launched a direct flight connecting both countries yet.

“Demand is the main indicator. If airlines find potential for this route, they will come. Now they are still studying the possibilities,” he said.

Ho Vandy, secretary general of the Cambodia National Tourism Alliance, said a direct air link between both nations will strengthen tourism, trade and diplomatic ties.

“There has been plenty of talk on the issue, but still airlines are hesitant because they believe there won’t be enough passengers for this route,” Mr Vandy said.

“We need new tourism-related products, particular for shopping, to make Cambodia a more attractive destination for Indonesian tourists.”

Garuda Indonesia Airlines recently revealed plans to launch a route connecting the island of Bali with Phnom Penh.

Last year, Cambodia welcomed 50,000 Indonesian tourists, a 2.3 percent increase year-on-year.

Source: http://www.khmertimeskh.com/50106687/cambodia-indonesia-discuss-direct-air-connection/