PHNOM PENH: Following a family trip to the Chong Khneas community in Siem Reap province, Prime Minister Hun Manet has decided that the community will maintain its current share of tourism revenue.
Revenue from ticket sales for Tonle Sap tours at the Chong Khneas tourist port is split by percentage between the association and Angkor Enterprise.
The community’s share of dividends was increased in April, as part of efforts to offset increased fuel prices caused by conflict in the Middle East.
The decision was made during a family trip to the Tonle Sap in Chong Khneas, Siem Reap, on Sunday (June 21).
The prime minister enjoyed a June 21 family trip to the port. During his visit, he spoke with representatives of the Chong Khneas Tourist Boat Association and listened to their concerns.
“During the period when our country was under pressure from the Middle East war, which caused fuel prices to rise, the Royal Government decided to increase the dividend share for the Chong Khneas Tourist Boat Association to help ease the burden on the community,” Manet noted, via social media.
“In response to the community’s request, and after discussions with the director-general of Angkor Enterprise, I have decided to agree in principle to maintain this increased revenue share for the community, even if fuel prices decrease in the future, in order to boost the income of the people in the community,” he added.
He said that in return, he asks the community to remain united, organised and to provide excellent, transparent services to tourists to ensure trust and attract more domestic and international visitors to the area.
Ly Se, director-general of Angkor Enterprise, told The Post today that prior to the adjustment, Angkor Enterprise received 52.7% of the revenue, while the association received 47.3%.
Since April, Angkor Enterprise’s share was reduced to 31.5%, while the tourism association’s share rose to 68.5%.
According to Angkor Enterprise, total January-May revenue from boat ticket sales at Chong Khneas amounted to $398,315.
A total of 9,063 boat trips were recorded, including 6,969 small, 1,778 medium and 316 large vessels.
In May alone, revenue was $42,964 from a total of 1,079 trips, including 876 small, 188 medium and 15 large vessels. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
