Bustling ancient site: Throngs of tourists visiting the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province in this file photo from 2023. — AFP
THE famed Angkor Archaeological Park recorded 115,532 foreign visitors in January 2024, up 49% from 77,436 in the same month 2023, said a news release.
This surge in visitors at the ancient site translated into a substantial boost in revenue, with ticket sales generating US$5.5mil, representing a 51% increase compared to January 2023, said the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.
Located in Siem Reap province, the sprawling 40sq km Angkor Archaeological Park is renowned for its collection of 91 ancient temples, spanning from the ninth to the 13th centuries.
Designated as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1992, it stands as the crown jewel of Cambodia’s tourism industry.
Ministry of Tourism’s Secretary of State and spokesperson Top Sopheak is confident that the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which commenced commercial operations in November 2023, would help attract more international travellers to the park.
With a 3,600m-long runway, the 4E-level international airport is currently the kingdom’s largest airport and is the main international gateway to the Angkor park. — Xinhua
