West Sumatra eyes Cambodian tourists after signing sister province LoI

Padang (ANTARA) - A letter of intent (LoI) between West Sumatra and Phnom Penh in Cambodia could potentially open new opportunities for the regional tourism sector, according to the head of the West Sumatra Tourism Office, Luhur Budianda.

"We must be able to make the most of this opportunity," he said in Padang on Wednesday. He informed that a group of 80 Cambodians arrived in West Sumatra on Monday (July 31, 2023) and visited a number of tourist destinations, including Pagaruyung Palace in Tanah Datar.

"They were very impressed during their visit to West Sumatra. They liked the natural beauty, enjoyed the culture, and most importantly, they appreciated the culinary delights of West Sumatra," he said.

These factors are the capital for developing the tourism market in Cambodia, he added, especially with the LoI of sister provinces, which also covers tourism. Budianda said that in the future, he will carefully prepare a plan for the Cambodian market in preparation for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between West Sumatra and Phnom Penh.

West Sumatra Governor, Mahyeldi, has asked the relevant regional apparatus organizations (OPD) to start drawing up plans so that when the MoU with Phnom Penh is signed, it can be implemented immediately. "This LoI is an agreement for cooperation. We hope that this MoU in cooperation with Phnom Penh can be signed as soon as possible. OPD must have an action plan one year after signing it," he said.

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West Sumatra's Head of the Government and Regional Autonomy Bureau, Doni Rahmat Samulo, said the LoI signed by the two provinces covers tourism, youth, creative economy, trade, and culture.