Cambodia is hoping to tap into the slow travel trend, with a notable uptick in interest in the nation as a single travel destination.
Steve Lidgey, general manager of Travel Asia a la Carte, told TTG Asia that during ITB Berlin 2024, there was an increase in interest in Cambodia from European agents as a standalone destination.
More travellers are keen to visit other areas in Cambodia, such as trekking and exploring Bousra Waterfall in Mondulkiri, pictured
Traditionally, the Kingdom has been popular as an add-on to Thailand, Vietnam and other South-east Asian destinations. The average stay in the country sits at three days.
“It’s been good to see that many people are interested in Cambodia as a single destination, not combining it with other countries,” Lidgey said. “People want to explore the destination and not just spend three or four days there.”
He said that soaring flight prices to the Kingdom, coupled with the increasing post-lockdown slow travel trend, are pushing the movement.
“Once you arrive in Cambodia, there’s no need to take any domestic flights,” Lidgey stated, adding he received a group booking for a 30-day tour of Cambodia, with a group about to set off on a 23-day cross-country adventure.
“People are starting to be interested in staying longer in Cambodia to get a full feel of the country. Instead of only Siem Reap and the temples and Phnom Penh, they want to go to Battambang, see the dolphins in Kratié, trek in Mondulkiri, and experience the people,” he said.
“Many Europeans are showing interest in slow travel, and we can see they want to spend more time in one destination.”
He said out of Western markets, slow travel is more accessible for Europeans due to the longer annual leave they receive over, for example, the US.
Lidgey also called on the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism to put more work into forward planning. Annually, Cambodia hosts a raft of colourful cultural festivals, including Khmer New Year, Bon Om Touk (Water Festival), and Pchum Ben (festival of the dead).
However, the itineraries and activities for each are released just weeks ahead, meaning tour operators cannot promote them to longhaul markets that tend to book months in advance.
“There are a lot of interesting opportunities to introduce guests to the traditions of these festivals, but we need to know the schedule in advance,” he urged.
Cambodia is hoping to tap into the slow travel trend, with a notable uptick in interest in the nation as a single travel destination.
Steve Lidgey, general manager of Travel Asia a la Carte, told TTG Asia that during ITB Berlin 2024, there was an increase in interest in Cambodia from European agents as a standalone destination.
Traditionally, the Kingdom has been popular as an add-on to Thailand, Vietnam and other South-east Asian destinations. The average stay in the country sits at three days.
“It’s been good to see that many people are interested in Cambodia as a single destination, not combining it with other countries,” Lidgey said. “People want to explore the destination and not just spend three or four days there.”
He said that soaring flight prices to the Kingdom, coupled with the increasing post-lockdown slow travel trend, are pushing the movement.
“Once you arrive in Cambodia, there’s no need to take any domestic flights,” Lidgey stated, adding he received a group booking for a 30-day tour of Cambodia, with a group about to set off on a 23-day cross-country adventure.
“People are starting to be interested in staying longer in Cambodia to get a full feel of the country. Instead of only Siem Reap and the temples and Phnom Penh, they want to go to Battambang, see the dolphins in Kratié, trek in Mondulkiri, and experience the people,” he said.
“Many Europeans are showing interest in slow travel, and we can see they want to spend more time in one destination.”
He said out of Western markets, slow travel is more accessible for Europeans due to the longer annual leave they receive over, for example, the US.
Lidgey also called on the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism to put more work into forward planning. Annually, Cambodia hosts a raft of colourful cultural festivals, including Khmer New Year, Bon Om Touk (Water Festival), and Pchum Ben (festival of the dead).
However, the itineraries and activities for each are released just weeks ahead, meaning tour operators cannot promote them to longhaul markets that tend to book months in advance.
“There are a lot of interesting opportunities to introduce guests to the traditions of these festivals, but we need to know the schedule in advance,” he urged.