INCENTIVE groups from Cambodia are increasingly skipping destinations along its borders and choosing to fly to South-east Asian destinations farther afield, encouraged by affordable direct flights.
Ang Kim Eang, president and CEO of Great Angkor Tours and president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, told TTGmice e-Weekly that Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines are gaining in popularity among Cambodian corporate clients.
“These destinations are accessible by many direct flights, so it is easy to move people,” Ang explained, adding that clients’ thirst for new experiences is also driving the new trend.
Most Cambodian incentive groups have been to nearby countries like Vietnam.
Ang has seen a 20 to 30 per cent increase in incentive travellers in 2015 over 2014. Some 60 to 70 per cent of his MICE groups choose to visit South-east Asian destinations.
Mann Ratana, general manager of Worldwide Tours Agency in Cambodia, shares similar observations and believes that the strong presence of LCCs in the region has made flying more affordable.
Malaysia, and especially Singapore, are bestsellers and many of her clients are making repeat visits. She had to charter flights in order to accommodate her groups.
According to Ang, most of the bookings come from the corporate banking, insurance, microfinance, trading and spare part businesses, with group sizes ranging from 30 to 60 people.
While longhaul demand is meagre in comparison, Ang has noted a five to 10 per cent year-on-year increment in 2015.
