http://www.cambodia-tourism.orgBreaking Cambodian Travel NewsCambodia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed an overall decline in the numbers of foreign visitors to the country in the first half of the year. The number of South Koreans visiting Cambodia declined more than any other market, down one-third from 160,400 to 106,300. The numbers of tourists from other key markets such as Japan, China, Thailand and Australia also declined between one-quarter and 10 percent. Vietnam was the only country among Cambodia’s top six tourism markets to register a growth, with numbers up 40 percent to 147,700. The ministry warned that the tourism downturn has had a pronounced effect on employees in the industry. In a survey of 72 hotels the tourism ministry determined that between a third and a half of jobs had been cut at 12 hotels, and that working hours had been reduced by the same proportion at the remaining 60 hotels. Around 300,000 Cambodians work in the tourism sector, with "between 50 and 60 percent" employed at hotels, guesthouses and other tourist accommodation. Tourism Ministry Secretary of State So Mara announced Wednesday that the driving factor behind the slowdown was the global economic crisis. But he is optimistic the clouds over the sector will lift, and said the government and private sector are working on strategies to reverse the decline. "We expect that the number of tourists from these five countries will leap later this year because we already preparing to hire airtime in those countries to woo tourists," So Mara said. The tourism ministry spent around US$340,000 on its "Kingdom of Wonder" ad campaign that aired on CNN in July last year. So Mara said the ministry would replicate the campaign and buy airtime from TV channels in South Korea, China and Japan. The ministry's campaign was welcomed by Luu Meng, the president of the Cambodian Hotel Association. He said television advertising and this week's launch of national carrier Cambodia Angkor Air would both represent a welcome help. "And we hope the number of tourists visiting Cambodia will pick up from the end of September, because that is the start of the tourism season," Luu Meng said. He added that moves by hotel operators to cut staff numbers and working hours would work as a short-term solution to combat the problem of lower visitor numbers. "There will be nothing to worry about provided they don't actually close down their hotels," he said. Source12/1/2009 9:43:33 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/209_cambodia_experiences_first_half_decline_in_tourism.htmlGrilled Tonle Sap Prawn G0205 AngkorAngkor Palace Resort, For a visit into the rich historical past of the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, the five-star Angkor Palace Resort & Spa, is strategically positioned 20 minutes away from the magnificent Angkor Wat temples, providing the perfect setting for travelers seeking an enriching cultural experience.Located 35 minutes away by flight from the capital of Phnom Penh, an hour from Bangkok and two hours from Singapore/Kuala Lumpur, Siem Reap offers a tremendous heritage with its legendary sites erected in various time periods from the 9th century onwards. Besides taking in the sights of the temples and markets, visitors can also indulge in the authentic Royal Khmer cuisine showcased at the Angkor Palace Resort & Spa.Like the legendary Angkor Wat temples, Khmer cuisine holds a fascinating appeal for many travelers. The Royal recipes have been carefully prepared by The Royal Palace' Chefs in the 1960s and only served for the Royal family, dignitaries and guests of the King. At Soriya Restaurant, Executive Chef Ving San has recreated the recipes from the Royal household into a gastronomical feast expounding the use of fresh produce sourced in the country complemented by locally grown fragrant herbs and spices, making this cuisine unique to the Kingdom of Cambodia.Rates:Deluxe Room : from USD 165 for Oct 09, USD 187 for Nov 09, and USD 197 for Dec 09Premier Deluxe Room: from USD 187 for Oct 09, USD 209 for Nov 09, and USD 219 for Dec 09Suite Room: from USD 308 from 1 October onwardsGourmet Experience Package includes:two-way airport transfer by hotel car (Airport-Resort-Airport)Buffet breakfast at Sunset Café RestaurantOne Royal Khmer Cuisine dinner for two at the Soriya Restaurant.Fruit basket replenished dailyComplimentary Cambodian scarfDaily local English newspaper available in our restaurant during breakfastComplimentary use of broadband service in all guestrooms and the public areas in the resortComplimentary entry to the spa featuring our outdoor Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, tennis courts, and swimming pool.Terms & Conditions:Minimum two-night stay is requiredBooking window is open from now up to March 2010 and valid for stay from 1 October 2009 up to 31 March 2010; except for the period from 20 December 2009 to 1 January 2010.This promotion is not applicable for delegates attending any meeting held at the resort (applicable only for leisure travelers)Extension night will be quoted based on our "Best Available Rate Rates quoted are in NETT, inclusive of all taxes and service charge.Other terms and conditions apply. For more information and booking, click here or email:reservation@angkorpalaceresort.com or tel: +855 63 966 12312/1/2009 9:42:44 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/208_experience_a_royal_khmer_feast_at_se_palace.htmlThe Cambodian government will not renew its agreement with Bangkok Airways, under which the airline operates Cambodian domestic routes, when it expires on Oct. 25. State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) Secretary of State Mao Havannal told the Phnom Penh Post that the government made the decision in an effort to boost the new national carrier Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA), which made its inaugural flight on July 28. "Now that we have our own domestic airline, Bangkok Airways will not be allowed to continue flights when the agreement finishes on Oct. 25," he said. Since taking over the route last November, Bangkok Airways has been flying four daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap since its subsidiary, Siem Reap Airways, was grounded by the SSCA. SSCA Cabinet Chief Long Chheng said Thursday that the body sent Bangkok Airways a letter last week informing it of the decision.Bangkok Airways Acting Country Director Amornrat Kongsawat has not been available for comment.Source12/1/2009 9:39:30 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/207_bangkok_airways_to_cease_domestic_cambodia_service.htmlThis new 6-day program is specially designed for travelers wanting to make a positive and personal impact on the socio-economic development of Cambodia.Exotissimo Travel, a leading travel company in Southeast Asia, launched a new 6-day Cambodia tour program that combines relaxed sightseeing to awe-inspiring sites and philanthropic excursions to local charities.Beginning in Siem Reap, travelers spend the first three days exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, including established and lesser-known temple sites, with an experienced guide. The program in Siem Reap also include visits to a landmine museum to learn about the country's ongoing de-mining efforts and lunch at a charity-run restaurant that provides delicious Khmer cuisine and vocational training of underprivileged children.A boat trip along the Tonle Sap Lake and Sangker River leads to Battambang where travelers will visit several non-profit organizations as well as a training restaurant and a handicraft center dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth. On Thursdays, a special circus performance by a children's charity is a fabulous experience that educates the audience about HIV/AIDS, land mines and human rights issues at the same time. A unique bamboo train ride through the idyllic countryside is another highlight in Battambang before travelers return to Siem Reap for further touring.Throughout the 6-day itinerary, Exotissimo has interspersed many opportunities for travelers to make a difference to local communities in meaningful ways. They can meet and speak to the underprivileged at charities, dine at vocational training restaurants or shop for handicrafts made by locals employed under fair employment terms. A part of the tour fees will go directly to the organizations visited."While Angkor is definitely a must-visit for any Cambodia travel itinerary, anyone who tours only the temples is missing out the real Cambodia," said Sibylle Rotzler, Cambodia Product Manager. "By joining this program, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia's recent turbulent past and play a part in the country's rebuilding process."Commenting on the vast number of charities that exist in Cambodia, Sibylle said, "We have conducted extensive research into Cambodia's charity sector to source for credible organizations to partner up with. In this way, travelers with Exotissimo will be assured that their money is apportioned to good causes." For travelers interested to make positive impacts in greater depth, Exotissimo can also arrange charity challenges for them to raise funds for local charities or their selected causes.Source12/1/2009 9:38:43 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/206_exotissimo_introduces_enriching_charitable_tourism.htmlThe newly established Cambodian Literacy Project has chosen World Literacy Day to call on the international travel industry to get behind its efforts to help eradicate illiteracy in Cambodia.Announcing the commencement of an initial Cambodian Literacy Project program involving up to 250 grade one children in three remote primary schools in rural Cambodia, principal Brett Morgan said the ultimate aim of the organisation was to expand this opportunity to over 100,000 children in multiple grades in schools across Cambodia by 2015.Tourism industry backing to date includes Korean Airlines, Ho Chi Minh City-based Trails of Indochina and Heritage Lines (MV Jayavarman) and Brisbane-based The Adventure Traveller, all of which Mr Morgan said had pledged assistance with fund raising for the project.“Two thirds of the world’s 1.6 billion illiterate population resides in the Asia-Pacific and Cambodia is one of the worst in the region for literacy standards,” Mr Morgan said.“More than eight per cent of all rural and remote teachers have had no formal schooling, 75 per cent of all teachers have gone without teaching handbooks for four years and it’s frightening to think that only 47 per cent of all Cambodian children actually complete primary school.“While there have been great efforts by many organisations to build schools and encourage participation rates, up until now little has been done to fix the literacy situation in Cambodian schools.“HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Dengue fever kill thousands of Cambodians every year and it is acknowledged that the best prevention for these and the eradication of many other health problems is via implementing education and literacy programs at grassroots level.“Cambodian tourism has long been a huge money spinner for the international travel industry and its time to give something back.“And giving something back is easy, anyone can help and it’s as simple going online at www.cambodialiteracyproject.com and buying a sheet of coloured cardboard for $0.50 cents or a pair of schoolchild’s shoes for $4.00.“We are more than happy to hear from anyone wishing to get involved with this program.”Mr Morgan said the CLE (Concentrated Language Encounter) system has been developed in Australia at Queensland University in Brisbane and is currently taught in over 10 countries.These include Thailand where the education department, having trialed the system on a pilot basis with marked success, has now adopted the system for all grade 1-6 students on a national basis.For more information visit www.cambodialiteracyproject.com or contact Brett Morgan or Kate Lloyd-Williams, email Info@cambodialiteracyproject.com.12/1/2009 9:37:10 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/205_cambodia_literacy_project_on_international_tourism.htmlCambodia Angkor Air, the new national carrier, has just received its first Airbus A321 to join its fleet of two ATR 72 planes for services between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.Launched with the help of Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air started operations late in July this year after the collapse of former national carrier Royal Air Cambodge in 2001.“In operating the new aircraft, we will triple return flights between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City - so now 21 flights a week - and double return flights between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh,” said Soy Sokhan, Secretariat of Civil Aviation Undersecretary of State, to local media.Flown in a two class configuration, Cambodia Angkor Air intends to seat 16 in Business Class and 168 in Economy Class for its Airbus A321-184 aircarft.Cambodia Angkor Air has previously said it aims to increase its fleet to ten aircraft by 2015.Source12/1/2009 9:35:43 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/204_cambodia_angkor_air_receives_airbus_a321.htmlExotissimo Travel hosted a number of Virtuoso agents on a familiarization trip of Cambodia and Vietnam in 9-22 May 2009.A Virtuoso on-site since July 2008, Exotissimo took this opportunity to introduce these American agents to Vietnam and Cambodia and demonstrate the unparalleled services provided by Exotissimo.Lee Marona, President of Exotissimo North America, said ‘This particular group of professionals in our industry was a pleasure to be with. None of these agents were “kids out of travel school”. They were all surprised at the breadth of Exotissimo’s operations in Cambodia and Vietnam, the superb quality of our guides, and our overall ability to produce amazing travel venues in our region of the world. We all look forward to working with these, and many other Virtuoso agents in the future’.The program balanced a combination of touring activities and facility inspections. A strong focus was placed on showing the agents more than the usual tourist attractions by incorporating Exotissimo’s signature tours into the itinerary.Highlights included a visit to Beng Mealea, a remote temple on the outskirts of Siem Reap, where the group enjoyed a gourmet lunch within the shady grounds of the temple. Reflecting on the experience, agent Les Berger said ‘It made us feel special once again to have "found" this treasure before the masses.’At Hotel de la Paix, the group was treated to cocktails at The Arts Lounge which had been specially decorated for the event. Ice blocks dangled from the ceiling and candles floated in the central pool, creating a stunning ambience and a fitting prelude to the gourmet meal which followed at Meric Restaurant.Continuing to Vietnam, Exotissimo immersed the group on a south to north journey of cultural and culinary discovery. In the Mekong Delta, the agents enjoyed a mouth-watering lunch with a local family in their elegant colonial villa. The trip culminated with an overnight cruise on the luxurious Emeraude steamer in Halong Bay. A fitting farewell for the journey, the guests relaxed on the boat’s decks, took part in a cooking demonstration and kayaked through the Bay’s waters.The agents were enthusiastic to plan trips to Southeast Asia with Exotissimo especially Laurielle Penny from Toronto: ‘I truly enjoyed every moment. It was wonderfully informative and I've come back bubbling with ideas for future programs. I am (even more strongly) an Exotissimo fan; I was so impressed with the entire operation and all the colleagues we met along the way. I consider myself part of the team and your ambassador in Canada! It's my job now to go forth and sell more!’Source12/1/2009 9:34:19 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/203_virtuoso_agents_wowed_by_exotissimo’s_familiarizat.htmlCambodia, Laos open new border gate to improve trade and tourismA new border gate has been opened between Cambodia and Laos in an effort to improve trade and tourism. "This new gate will provide more chances for trade exchange and tourism growth, and eventually benefit the two countries," Tram Iev Tek, Cambodia Minister of Public Works and Transportation, told the state-run Television Kampuchea (TVK). The new border gate will also help promote the economic cooperation within the Great Mekong Sub-region, he added. The border gate is situated between the Trapaing Kreal area in Stung Treng province of Cambodia and the Nong Nokkhien area in Champasak province of Laos. The gate was opened on the eve of the Khmer New Year which falls on April 14-16. Cambodia and Laos have also recently agreed to open some of their provinces for mutual transportation in order to facilitate trade and economic development. According to the agreement, all Laotian vehicles can travel to Siem Reap province and capital city of Phnom Penh of Cambodia, and all Cambodian vehicles to Pakse province and capital city of Vientiane of Laos. Source12/1/2009 9:31:54 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/202_cambodia_laos_open_new_border_gate.htmlLuxury Travel has just launched a new luxury tour “Vietnam and Cambodia Chic Adventure Travel 14 days.” “Discover Vietnam and Cambodia in the chic adventure. Stay in the best hotels and resorts. Experience the finest local food, take a first class on the deluxe train, trek and hide in the forest and hill tribal villages, back to the comfort at night. Kayak in the ocean back to the luxury junk for accommodation.” says Tony Pham, Product Manager of Luxury Travel Company. Tour prices start from USD $5111 net per-person double rate, this includes accommodation costs at deluxe rooms at luxury properties, nearly all meals, regional flights, and private transfers pick up and drop off service, kayaking, trekking and boating activities. Order this adventure tour online and travel to Vietnam before 30 Sep 2009 with the company secret code lux4lux, guests get 1 night Free of Charge at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Source12/1/2009 9:30:52 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/201_vietnam_and_cambodia__lands_of_luxury_adventures.htmlShocked and stunned, for once Hilary Bradt was genuinely lost for words as it was announced she had been chosen to receive the British Guild of Travel Writers Lifetime Achievement Award. The presentation was made by Chairman Melissa Shales at the Guild’s 13th Annual Gala Awards Dinner at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, London, on November 8, on the eve of World Travel Market.Still pioneering after 35 years, Hilary led Bradt to become one of the industry’s most highly regarded publishers, seeing the company's uniquely personal guides lauded by travellers from Dervla Murphy and Kate Humble to Sir David Attenborough and Michael Palin. In 1997 The Sunday Times voted Bradt Small Publisher of the Year, and in 2008 Wanderlust readers saw Bradt beat Lonely Planet and Rough Guides to win the magazine's Top Travel Guide Series award.Indeed, Hilary has led by example, writing 11 guidebooks herself and winning the BGTW’s Guidebook of the Year Award. Outside travel publishing Hilary is equally known for her commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives. She continues to fund raise and campaign on behalf of Madagascar’s street kids and to promote many other worthy projects, including the winner of the BGTW’s Best New Overseas Tourism Project Award 2009: ConCERT Cambodia (Connecting Communities, Environment & Responsible Tourism). ConCERT Cambodia is a one-stop information service NGO that allows tourists to volunteer or contribute to local projects of their choice during their travels in Cambodia.It was in recognition of these activities that she received an MBE for ‘services to charity and tourism’ in 2009. Perhaps even more telling was her place on this year’s Independent on Sunday ‘Happy List’ (alongside, among others, Sir David Attenborough and Thomas the Tank Engine); this list – published as an alternative to the annual ‘Rich List’ – aims to ‘celebrate some of the people in Britain who give back, enhance the lives of others, and realise that, in an acquisitive society, there’s a crying need for values other than materialism’.Two years ago, Hilary stepped back from the helm of the company she founded in 1974 to enjoy retirement in Devon. However, her energy remains undiminished. Returned recently from a stint travelling in Cambodia, she has since thrown herself into writing Bradt's new Go Slow Devon and Exmoor – despite the title, there’s clearly no imminent danger of Hilary slowing down at all.12/1/2009 9:29:06 PMhttp://www.cambodia-tourism.org/news/200_lifetime_achievement_award_for_hilary.html