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Opening Remarks by His Excellency Dr. SOK An, at the Opening Ceremony of UNWTO Regional Conference on Tourism Development in Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites

Siem Reap, 1-3 November 2013

-       H.E. Dr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General;
-       H.E. Dr. THONG Khon, Minister of Tourism;
-       H.E. Dr. K Chiranjeevi, State-Minister of Tourism of India;
-       Excellencies, Distinguished Speakers, Ladies and Gentlemen;

Today, I have the great pleasure to participate with Excellencies, distinguished speakers and participants in the opening of UNWTO Regional Conference under the theme of Tourism Development in Cultural and Natural Sites.

On behalf of the Royal Government and People of Cambodia, I would like to warmly welcome H.E. Dr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General, honorable ministers and deputy ministers, distinguished speakers as well as participants from the Asia-Pacific Region and beyond to Siem Reap, in particular to Angkor, the home of this landmark World Heritage site and a Cultural City of East Asia.  

May I commence my remarks by saying how highly I value the joint efforts of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and the World Tourism Organization in organizing this important conference, signifying the spirit of solidarity and close cooperation among member states of the World Tourism Organization.
The theme of today’s conference entitled, “Tourism Development in Cultural and Natural Sites”, is significant and very timely as it encompasses a number of contemporary issues of regional as well as global concern, in particular the need to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on culture, society and the environment. Awareness of such negative impacts has led to the growth of sustainable tourism development and green tourism, which promote the preservation of culture and the integrity of local people, and contribute to heritage preservation and conservation. In addition to concern with environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of green tourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities. Tree preservation and planting will also contribute significantly to promoting green tourism, especially the concept of “One Tourist – One Tree” or “Tree Planting -- Starting from you”. In Cambodia, we have also launched a campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags before 2015 by promoting the 3Rs formula (Reduce, Re-use and Recycle) in line with the high recommendations of Samdech Techo Prime Minister. 

The topics for discussion in each session and the choice of Siem Reap city as the venue for this event are fitting as the city is surrounded by nature and unspoiled environment and it is home to historically treasured cultural heritage. By hosting this important event, Cambodia is honored to take the opportunity to showcase herself on the world stage in front of this distinguished gathering of participants from whom we have the privilege to hear their presentations on case studies and country experiences on successful policies, guidelines for sustainable site management and strategies for sustainable cultural tourism development.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

We are fortunate to have inherited great historical, cultural and natural heritage, especially the Angkor complex, which for us Cambodians, remains a center of our national identity and spirit, and continues to be the important core of our great culture and civilization. Angkor Wat is depicted in the centre of our national flag, while paintings of Angkor Wat are found everywhere in Cambodia, including public buildings, offices and private dwellings.

Cambodia is endowed with an abundance of natural attractions and beautiful natural environment, including forests, rivers, lakes, world-rated beaches, offshore islands and wildlife, especially the rare Mekong River dolphins. Our country has a long history, revealing prosperous civilization and culture. Our ancestors have left us with numerous tangible and intangible assets such as temples, music and traditional performing arts, giving Cambodia a comparative advantage in tourism, a sector that continues to blossom and contribute to the national economy.

With such cultural and natural attractions, a large number of international standard three to five star hotels (there are over 400 hotels countrywide, over 100 of which are in Siem Reap) and resorts, as well as the ‘open-skies’ policy initiated by Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen, the number of tourist arrivals has increased significantly to 3.58 million in 2012 from around 118,000 in 1993. Over the first eight months of 2013, the arrival figure was more than 2.8 million—an increase of 19% compared to the same period last year. These tourist visits generate direct and indirect employment and income, and can help lead to poverty reduction. Thanks to our rich cultural and natural heritage, political stability, security and safety countrywide, we expect to receive 4.5 million international tourists by 2015 and 7 million by 2020.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

The UNWTO Regional Conference on Tourism Development in Cultural and Natural Sites is an ideal forum for tourism authorities, experts and practitioners to discuss, examine and review the opportunities for and challenges to sustainable tourism at cultural and natural heritage sites, as well as to strengthen regional cooperation and promote mutual assistance in the development and management of tourism.
Tourism is known to play a vital role in bringing together and connecting the people from different parts of the world, thus fostering people-to-people connectivity.

I understand that the conference will also discuss a number of interesting topics related to tourism management at World Heritage sites; tourism development in heritage sites; the value of green tourism; and heritage communications. With the active participation of tourism authorities, experts and practitioners, I strongly hope that, over the next two days, ideas, experiences, best practices and strategies from our respective countries will be shared and exchanged in order to preserve natural and cultural attractions and protect heritage while reaping the benefits of tourism sector for promoting sustainable economic development.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I wish to once again express my sincere gratitude to the World Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Tourism for jointly organizing this important conference. I also wish to encourage all local and international participants and experts to exchange their ideas, experiences and best practices. Studies related to tourism management and the promotion of sustainable green tourism are particularly encouraged, with results published in specialised journals in order to reach wider interested individuals and concerned parties.

I wish you all fruitful discussions and a pleasant stay in Siem Reap, a city rich in both natural and cultural heritage. Cambodia, especially the city of Siem Reap, will have the opportunity to welcome you again in the near future.

I now declare the opening of the UNWTO Regional Conference on Tourism Development in Cultural and Natural Sites.

Thank you!

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