Cambodia Tourism Industry Fears Fallout From Election Uncertainty

Enterprises in Cambodia’s biggest tourism hub have called on Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy to quickly resolve a festering election dispute that they say is threatening business prospects as tensions rise ahead of mass opposition protests next week. Travel companies in Siem Reap, home of the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex that is a mainstay of the country’s key tourism industry, made the plea as King Norodom Sihamoni urged calm and unity ahead of the Sept. 7 protests led by the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). … Thuon Sinang, president of the Pacific Cambodia Tourism Association, said he fears mass demonstrations would hurt business, especially if they prompt a government crackdown. “If the massive demonstration occurs for a short period there might not be a large effect but if the demonstration continues for longer, tourism will be affected,” he told RFA’s Khmer Service. … So far the political deadlock has not yet produced a decline in tourism, according to Tourism Department Director Ngouv Sengkak. Over the past 7 months, some 1.2 million tourists visited Siem Reap in a 6.6 percent increase over the same period last year, he told RFA. But tourist agencies are concerned tourism revenue could be affected over the long run. …

 Radio Free Asia Staff
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/tourism-08302013144408.html