Battambang Takes Action to Ensure Tourists’ Safety
As one of Cambodia’s main tourist destinations, the northwestern province of Battambang has seen an increasing number of tourists traveling across its territory after the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Battambang's Tourism Department
- By Chhum Chantha
- March 12, 2024 5:10 PM
PHNOM PENH – Battambang Provincial Department of Tourism has urged all Tuk Tuk drivers to apply for permits and uniforms for transporting tourists, aiming to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the province.
As one of Cambodia’s main tourist destinations, the northwestern province of Battambang has seen an increasing number of tourists traveling across its territory after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ouch Oum Phinissara, the director of the tourism department, said on Mar 11. that most tourists like to travel far from the city to remote tourist destinations and return late at night. Darkness causes concerns over their safety with reports of unwarranted incidents related to unidentified tourist transport services.
He said that such incidents have affected the image of the province and the country as a whole.
The Tourism Department has requested guidelines from the Battambang Provincial Administration to require all tuk-tuk riders to have a uniform and permit for transporting guests. Guidelines also aim to define a work ethic and to closely collaborate with the authorities to protect the interests and safety of tourists, he said.
“This is our responsibility and the provincial administration is not happy when tourists have problems,” he said.
“We know that when any part of tourism affects or shows negativity, it will affect the image of the province and the country as a whole. The principle of tourist safety starts from the province which will benefit the nation, and community and lead to the growth of tourists.”
In a notice dated Mar. 7, the tourism department of Battambang said that those without permits and uniforms recognized by the department will not be allowed to operate and face penalties.
Generally known as Cambodia’s rice bowl, Battambang is also famous for its richness in cultural heritage – pagodas, museums, pre-history mountain caves and colonial-era buildings in the provincial city and natural tourism sites including Prek Toal Wildlife Sanctuary.
The province was in global headlines when it became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) last year for its unique cuisine as part of Cambodia’s rich culture.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Torn Chanritheara for Cambodianess.
