Cambodia mulls raising Angkor prices

Cambodia mulls raising Angkor prices

Cambodia is considering raising entrance fees to the Angkor temple complex. (Bangkok Post photo)
Cambodia is considering raising entrance fees to the Angkor temple complex. (Bangkok Post photo)

Cambodia is considering increasing entrance fees to the historic Angkor temple complex as it believes they are too low compared to famous tourist attractions in other countries.

Long Kosal, deputy spokesman for the government's Apsara Authority, told the Phnom Penh Post on Tuesday the price hike is being debated by government and private-sector representatives. The impact on tourism will be one factor in the final decision.

He gave no indication of what the new prices would be.

"Current prices are low compared to what the complex provides to tourists. At the complex, tourists can see more than just the Angkor Wat temple, but also Bayon temple, Banteay Srey temple. Compared to destinations in other countries, our price is relatively low," Long Kosal said.

Currently, foreign visitors pay US$20 (640 baht) for a one-day entrance pass to the complex, $40 for three days and $60 for a week-long pass.

Tourism officials worry that a significant price increase would result in higher rates for package tours, which would make people shun all of Cambodia.

Luu Meng, president of the Cambodia Hotel Association, told the Post he felt an increase in Angkor prices would not have a big impact if tourism businesses provided better services.

"No one likes higher prices, [but] tourists will not decide to visit a place based on price alone," he said. "If Cambodia has the best hotels, best food and hospitality, they will come despite the price."

According to the Apsara Authority, more than 2 million tickets for Angkor were sold last year, bringing in almost $60 million in revenue, up $2.4 million from 2013. Those figures are disputed, however, by opposition party politicians, who claim the government agency is hiding some of its revenue.

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