Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum 2024 to kick off tomorrow

‘Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum 2024’ will begin in Phnom Penh, on Wednesday. The conference organised by the Ministry of Tourism aims to promote Cambodia as Muslim friendly tourism destination.

The Ministry of Tourism is set to organise ‘Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum 2024’ in the capital on Wednesday.

The conference to be held under the theme, ‘The Beauty of Harmonisation and Muslim Friendly Tourism Destination’ will focus on understanding the Muslim market, Cambodia’s Muslim heritage, and halal infrastructure and rules, a release from the Tourism Ministry said.

Also, among other things, the forum will focus on understanding the Muslim travel market, cultural heritage and multiculturalism, infrastructure development, and halal services, the role of government and private sector, and capacity building for the tourism industry, the release pointed out.

“Cambodia is an open country,” Meenakshi Chaudary, from Trip.com told Khmer Times.

“Everyone is welcome here. We have a lot of customers asking about it,” she said, adding, “The culture in Cambodia welcomes everyone.”

Fewer than two percent of Cambodians are Muslims, most of those are from the Cham minority.

“We feel welcome here,” Tahir, an imam at a local mosque told Khmer Times.

“Most people don’t even know about us. We have no problems (here). Our life is peaceful, it’s all fine.

“We would be very happy to see our brothers come here. Everyone is welcome in Cambodia.”

Senate President Hun Sen on a recent visit to the Middle East met Khmer Muslims and urged them to promote Cambodia as a destination for Muslim tourists.

“This forum will increase awareness among stakeholders on the significance and benefits of embracing multicultural and Muslim-friendly tourism, which will strengthen cooperation between and among Cambodia and Muslim countries,” Mr Hun Sen said last week in Doha, the capital of Qatar, which borders Saudi Arabia.

“Buddhism is the state religion of Cambodia, but the country fully respects religious freedom,” Mr Hun Sen said.

It should be mentioned that Nur ul-Ihsan, the oldest mosque in Cambodia, is seven kilometres from the city centre. The mosque is more than two centuries old that dates back to 1813. It is one of almost a thousand mosques scattered around the country.

In addition, the source continued, this forum shall increase awareness among stakeholders on the significance and benefits of embracing multicultural and Muslim-friendly tourism that contribute to strengthening the cooperation between and among Cambodia and the Muslim countries.
Cr: KhmerTime