The “First Year of Cambodia-India Tourism” was officially launched on Monday in New Delhi in a ceremony attended by many senior officials from the two countries' tourism ministries.
The event also celebrated the launch of the first air link between Phnom Penh and New Delhi the day before. Long Phirum, State Secretary of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, and Manisha Saxena, Director General of the Indian Ministry of Tourism, jointly launched the “First Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024” with the sound of traditional drums on stage.
Saxena and Phirum addressed all the participants, including government officials, tour operators from both countries and many Indian businessmen who interacted with Cambodian representatives and other speakers.
Ms Phirum called the designation of 2024 as the “Cambodia-India Year of Tourism” a “historic milestone”. He also recalled that the “historic direct air link” between Phnom Penh and New Delhi was also celebrated yesterday in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia's national airline, Cambodia Angkor Air, launched the first direct flights between the two countries on June 16, with four flights per week.
Cambodian Ambassador to New Delhi, Koy Kuong, and Seila Hul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, also participated in the event. A group of Cambodian artists also put on a colorful performance at the event which took place at the Shangri-La hotel in Delhi.
Ms Saxena said there are many similarities between the two cultures, “the tangible and intangible heritage we have, the launch of this flight and the Cambodia-India Tourism Year will really help citizens of both sides rediscover these common points. This will be an important driver, providing economic opportunities for business actors in the tourism sector. “This will bring prosperity and better understanding between the two countries,” he stressed.
According to representatives of the two countries, 2024 is a crucial time to strengthen tourism cooperation and cultural exchange between Cambodia and India. The opening of the Cambodia-India Tourism Year in the heart of New Delhi showcases the mutual respect and admiration between the two countries, paving the way for a year of exciting activities, tourism promotion and constructive cultural exchange.
This initiative aims not only to attract more Indian visitors to explore Cambodia's beautiful landscapes and historical wonders, but also invite Cambodian tourists to discover India's cultural diversity and natural beauty.
Through these initiatives, the two countries seek to strengthen their relations, promote peace and friendship and contribute to the prosperity of their tourism industries.
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