The number of international flights to and from Cambodia in March is forecast to fall by around 40 percent (Source: phnompenhpost.com)Phnom Penh (VNA) – The number of international flights to and fromCambodia’s three airports in March is forecast to fall by around 40 percentcompared to that in December last year since the COVID-19 outbreak.
The data was presented during a meeting between InteriorMinister Sar Kheng and immigration police officers at Phnom Penh InternationalAirport on March 24.
Reports from the three international airports said inDecember last year, there were a total of 4,241 international flights toCambodia, compared to only 2,575 flights so far in March – a 40 percent decrease.
Khieu Thy, a representative of Khmer Angkor Tour Guide Association (Katga) told The Phnom Penh Post on the same day that tourism in Siem Reapprovince is suffering the worst impacts of the pandemic, with visitors plunging tonearly zero.
The Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is considered a driving force ofthe non-smoke industry which contributes 12.1 percent to the country’s grossdomestic product (GDP).
Khieu Thy said if scientists do not find a vaccine againt the novel coronavirus, the long-term losses in the tourism sector will be much greater. Hestated many members of his association are currently staying home or have beenforced to find other jobs.
He added last year, tourist guides in Siem Reap provincecould earn an average of 500 USD per month, but this has drastically fallen toalmost nothing./.
VNA
