PHNOM PENH: Plans are moving forward to transform the site of the former Siem Reap International Airport into a major tourism attraction.
It is hoped that the “Miracle Angkor” project will encourage tourists to extend their stays in the province.
The project, helmed by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) and Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI), will see the former airport become a “Commercial, cultural and nighttime tourism hub, including an international exhibition centre, a digital museum and carbon-free green tourism performances,” SSCA spokesperson Sinn Chansereyvutha told The Post, on Aug 13.
“The project will help transform Siem Reap from a transit destination into a stayover tourism destination, potentially adding an additional one to two nights to tourists’ stays,” he added.
Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the SSCA met with and Lu Wei, chairman of the board of directors of AIAI, met on Aug 12 to discuss the phases of development of the old airport, as well as to review the operational progress of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).
The two sides outlined strategies to restore passenger flows and the expansion of flight networks at SIA.
Havannall congratulated AIAI on its 10th anniversary, as well as on the upcoming October three-year anniversary of the official opening of SIA.
“Over the past 10 years, AIAI has demonstrated a strong vision and commitment to investing in aviation infrastructure, particularly through the achievement of opening Siem Reap Angkor International Airport nearly three years ago,” he said.
“The airport has become an important strategic air gateway connecting Cambodia with the world, promoting trade, investment and tourism, as well as serving as a symbol of the ‘Diamond’ cooperation between Cambodia and China,” he added.
According to the minister, the kingdom’s civil aviation sector is currently working to expand and promote direct flight connectivity to a number of markets, including China, India, South Korea, the Middle East and Asean.
In addition to establishing new flight connections, the Cambodian government is also considering airport fee incentive programmes. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
