Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Cambodia has introduced a new payment system designed to enhance the convenience of tourists visiting the country. Unveiled on Monday, this system allows travelers to seamlessly make payments at an impressive network of 3.3 million retail shops scattered throughout Cambodia.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the nation’s efforts to improve the overall experience for international visitors, making transactions smoother and more accessible across a wide range of businesses. During the launch event held in the picturesque northwestern province of Siem Reap, Chea Serey, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, highlighted the app’s potential impact on the tourism industry. She emphasized that this payment system is not only a technological advancement but also a strategic move to attract more international tourists by simplifying the payment process.
By removing the barriers often associated with foreign transactions, Cambodia aims to create a more tourist-friendly environment, encouraging longer stays and more spending within the country. The introduction of this payment system is expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing Cambodia’s tourism sector, which has been seeking new ways to recover and grow. By enabling tourists to pay effortlessly at millions of retail locations, the app will contribute significantly to the ease and comfort of traveling in Cambodia.
This development underscores the country’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic growth, particularly in tourism, which is a vital component of Cambodia’s economy. Cambodia’s tourism sector is set to benefit from a newly introduced app that offers a streamlined electronic payment solution, allowing international visitors to pay for goods and services with ease and efficiency, according to the head of the country’s central bank. To get started, international tourists are required to download the Bakong Tourists App onto their mobile devices.
The registration process involves creating an account by using an email address, ensuring that visitors can quickly and securely access the payment system upon their arrival in Cambodia. This initiative is designed to enhance the overall experience for travelers by simplifying transactions, making it more convenient for tourists to explore and enjoy everything Cambodia has to offer. The app represents a significant step forward in modernizing the country’s payment infrastructure, further solidifying Cambodia as a welcoming destination for global travelers.
Tourism plays a crucial role in sustaining Cambodia’s economy, standing alongside other vital sectors such as garment production, footwear manufacturing, travel goods, agriculture, construction, and real estate. The tourism industry has become a cornerstone of economic growth, helping to create jobs and generate revenue that fuels the country’s ongoing development. This sector’s importance continues to grow, driven by Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty that attract visitors from all over the world.
The Ministry of Tourism has reported a substantial rise in international arrivals, with 3.16 million tourists visiting Cambodia in the first half of the year. This figure represents an impressive 23% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating strong momentum for the tourism sector.
Such growth is a positive indicator for the future, as the country continues to recover and thrive in the post-pandemic world. This surge in visitor numbers not only boosts the tourism industry but also stimulates other sectors of the economy, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire nation. Cambodia’s global appeal is evident in the diversity of its visitors, with the largest groups of tourists coming from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos, and the United States.
This international mix underscores the kingdom’s status as a top travel destination, offering something for everyone, whether it’s the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, the bustling markets of Phnom Penh, or the serene beaches along its coastlines. The steady flow of tourists from these countries reflects Cambodia’s successful efforts to market itself as a must-visit location on the global stage. As Cambodia continues to build on its tourism success, the government and private sector are likely to focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving services, and promoting sustainable practices to ensure that the sector remains a key driver of economic growth.
With the ongoing increase in tourist numbers, Cambodia is well-positioned to strengthen its economy further, attract more international investments, and provide even greater opportunities for its people in the years to come..
