​CATA urge ministerial support for marketing campaign​

The head of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) has requested support from the Ministry of Tourism for its upcoming promotional campaign. The association is planning to invite tour company representatives, journalists and other stakeholders to the Kingdom this year, so they can see with their own eyes what an attractive destination Cambodia is for holidaymakers.

CATA president Chhay Sivlin led a private sector delegation to a March 19 working meeting with minister Sok Soken to brief him on the association’s past achievements and plans for the coming years.

“In 2024, we have planned many different activities to promote tourism in the Kingdom. We will invite tourism associations and travel agencies from other countries to visit us here and see what we have to offer. We are also going to invite specific journalists to travel here. They will capture images and video and write stories that will become invaluable promotional tools for Cambodia’s tourism industry,” she said on March 20.

According to Sivlin, CATA has already put plans in place for the new campaign, but has asked the ministry for additional support. 

She explained that the association will have to cover the costs of airfares, accommodation and entertainment for each of its guests, and that the visitors would need to be treated appropriately if they were expected to promote their positive experiences.

Sivlin said CATA is also bidding for contracts with a foreign tour company, which will bring literal busloads of guests to Cambodia. She explained that several other nations are also bidding for contracts with the tour company, though it was not immediately clear which country will be awarded them.

“The tour company will select whichever country appears to offer the best conditions, for both their business and their guests. This is why we ask for the support of the tourism ministry. It can facilitate some areas that may influence the companies to bring tours here,” she added.

 “The tourism minister met with representatives of the private tourism sector led by Sivlin. After listening to her report, he praised the past work of CATA and thanked them for their contributions,” said a ministry statement.

“Soken encouraged the association to continue its activities, and requested their active participation in the marketing and promotion of tourism in Cambodia,” it added.