Authorities Deny Siem Reap Airport Staff Seek Tips
Civil aviation authorities have rejected allegations of Siem Reap-Angkor Airport staff asking for tips from international tourists, denouncing them as baseless. Photo: Isa Rohany
- By Isa Rohany
- January 11, 2024 5:10 PM
SIEM REAP – Civil aviation authorities have rejected allegations of Siem Reap-Angkor Airport staff asking for tips from international tourists, denouncing them as baseless.
A wave of criticism has emerged on social media, suggesting that tourists at the airport are unhappy about the tipping issue which has prompted low reviews for the service.
While some travellers have praised the airport on Google reviews, others have expressed dissatisfaction with its operation and immigration officers asking for tips.
On Jan. 11, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation said airport staff did not ask for tips from guests. In a two-page statement, it said the criticism was made two months ago when the airport in the Soutr Nikom district was inaugurated.
“Criticism of airport staff asking for tips from tourists is baseless,” the civil aviation body said.
However, it said stakeholders had worked with the airport to educate and remind staff to adhere to high ethics and professionalism in serving tourists.
In particular, the rating of the airport, should not be assessed by the feelings of individuals or conclusions without a clear basis. Skytrax, a leading international body, conducts research and evaluation of airlines and airports based on the quality of services and operations.
With the criticism of the dollar banknotes that the airport refused to accept, the aviation body said it could be because the notes were torn, damaged or stained, making them hard to spend.
The airport, built on 700 hectares in Soutr Nikom district, is about 50km kilometers from Siem Reap city and 40km from Angkor Wat. It opened for operations in mid-October.
Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia), an affiliate of China's Yunnan Investment Holdings, has invested $1,100 million in the project.
The airport will be able to handle seven million passengers next year and 12 million in 2040. It will have an air cargo capacity of 10,000 tonnes next year and 26,000 tonnes in 2040 and will be able to receive 65,800 flights next year and 112,700 in 2040.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, the story was translated by Chhuon Kongieng for Cambodianess.
