Azerbaijan, Cambodia eye developing tourism: Combined tours to Vietnam and Laos possible

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of tourism is expected to be signed between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Cambodia in 2024, which is currently undergoing the final stage of approval, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Shovgi Mehdizada told Report.

During a recent meeting with Cambodian Tourism Minister Sok Soken in Phnom Penh, the potential for sharing knowledge and experience in tourism marketing, promotion and education was discussed, which could create the basis for deeper bilateral cooperation. Both sides expressed great interest in organizing festive events that could serve as a platform to increase tourism flow and cultural exchange between the two countries.

According to the ambassador, as part of the development of tourism cooperation, it is envisaged to create specific routes, organize business tours, establish direct connections between tour operators and agencies, and special incentives are expected through the opening of restaurants of national cuisine in the capitals - Baku and Phnom Penh.

“It is possible that these products will include combined tours to several countries - Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In the future, the possibility of opening direct flights between the countries, including charter flights, is not excluded, but today Turkish and Qatari airlines are special partners,” Mehdizada said.

One of the interesting moments in cooperation between the countries, according to the diplomat, could be the creation of the Azerbaijan-Cambodia Friendship Association in Cambodia, which will consist of former students who studied in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era.