Mr. Huot Hak, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, recently underscored the immense value of the Angkor International Half Marathon, emphasizing its crucial role in elevating Cambodia’s global image. He highlighted the event’s contribution to making the nation more widely recognized and appreciated on the international stage. These remarks followed the successful conclusion of the 30th Angkor International Marathon, which took place on December 7th.
The landmark 30th edition of the Angkor International Half Marathon attracted an impressive total of 16,000 participants, comprising both national and international enthusiasts. Notably, more than 3,600 international visitors from 86 different countries journeyed to Cambodia to partake in the race. The Minister attributed this significant international turnout to the high level of confidence tourists place in Cambodia’s security, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a safe and inviting travel destination. He further noted that the event provides a substantial boost to the tourism sector, particularly benefiting the iconic Angkor Wat heritage site by drawing considerable attention and a large influx of visitors to this revered location.
Reflecting on the event’s success and its broader implications, Mr. Huot Hak stated, “National and international tourist arrivals have seen a remarkable increase compared to previous years, with 16,000 participants this year, representing a 25% surge.” He continued, “This confirms that all runners have confidence in the safety offered in Cambodia. For tourism, this event is incredibly valuable, effectively spreading Cambodia’s fame globally and attracting more investors and tourists to our nation.” The 30th Angkor International Half Marathon not only provided a thrilling race experience but also beautifully showcased the stunning scenery of the Angkor Wat complex to thousands of runners. Among the diverse group of over 3,600 foreign participants, a significant number hailed from countries such as Britain, France, Australia, the United States, and Japan, underscoring the event’s widespread international appeal.
