In recognition of its efforts in promoting tourism, Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism clinched the ‘Leading International Tourism Marketing Campaign 2022’ from the Asian Tourism and Hospitality Awards.

Malaysia’s TIN Media, in partnership with Asia Hospitality Human Resource Association, recently hosted the Inaugural Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2023 at Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur and the award recognised exceptional achievements in the tourism industry across Asia.

With over 200 nominees from 23 countries, the awards received 47,515 public votes and claimed 54,850 total points.

Prak Vuthy, Director of the Department of Overseas Tourism Marketing and Promotion, said in a statement: “This award clearly demonstrates the able leadership of Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, and guidance of Thong Rathsak, Director General of Tourism Development and International Cooperation, together with ministries, tourism associations, stakeholders and the private sector to implement the roadmap on the plan to restore and promote tourism in Cambodia during and after the Covid-19 crisis.”

The ministry strived to promote the rehabilitation of human resources, financing, support for tourism business and services, and Cambodian tourism in the region and internationally, Vuthy said.

He said that as a result of these collaborations, in 2022, the Ministry of Tourism received familiarization trip delegates from India, Korea, China and organised direct programs to promote Cambodian tourism routes in the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, as well as promoting international marketing through embassies, consulates, consultants and travel agencies abroad. It also participated in various international tourism exhibitions in the Chinese market. Besides, the ministry promoted major domestic events and destinations of the country on digital systems such as websites, mobile apps, Facebook, TikTok, WeChat, Instagram, and YouTube.

TIN Media said in a report that the ceremony featured a

distinguished panel of judges, comprising industry experts and professionals from across the Asia region. The awards were organised using the in-house award management software called ‘awardex,’ incorporating features such as public voting and points collections, providing increased transparency and digital exposure for the awards program.

The winners were recognised across a wide range of categories, including Tourism Boards, hotels, resorts, restaurants, tech companies, and leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the industry.

The winners from six countries were physically present at the event, including Cambodia, Tanzania, Bulgaria, India, Philippines, and Malaysia, while others received their awards virtually, the report said.

“We are delighted to have received such an overwhelming response to our first Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards. This ceremony represents a fantastic opportunity to recognise the outstanding individuals and organisations who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in their respective fields. We look forward to continuing to showcase and celebrate the very best of the Asian tourism and hospitality industry in the years to come,” Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, chairman of TIN Media, was quoted as saying in the report.

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s report, Cambodia received 2.28 million foreign tourists last year, injecting $1.4 billion into the national economy. The revenue surged 667 percent when compared with the figures in 2021.

The report pointed out that there were 13,597 tourism-related businesses providing a total of 320,000 jobs for the locals last year.

The government of Cambodia designated 2022-2023 as the year of the recovery phase for Cambodia’s tourism sector.

The Kingdom is expected to receive at least 4 million international tourists this year.