PHNOM PENH, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The "Smile of Cambodia" event was officially launched at the iconic Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia's northwestern Siem Reap province on Thursday, aimed at promoting arts and cultural heritage to tourists, said a news release.
Angkor Wat is a major temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO-listed world heritage site.
The ceremony was attended by Men Sam An, a member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, Phoeurng Sackona, minister of culture and fine arts, and Hang Peou, director general of the APSARA National Authority (ANA), said the news release from the ANA, a government agency responsible for managing, safeguarding and preserving the Angkor park.
"The 'Smile of Cambodia' event serves as a testament to the warmth and friendliness of the Cambodian people, showcasing the beauty of Cambodian temples as a symbol of the nation's glorious heritage," Men Sam An said at the event.
In line with the vision set out by Prime Minister Hun Manet, the event sought to revitalize the tourism industry in Siem Reap province following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the news release said.
The five-day event starting from Monday was officially launched on Thursday.
Activities during the event include entertainment programs, exhibitions of Cambodian cuisine, and cultural shows, among others, the news release said.
"This celebration not only highlights Cambodia's artistic heritage but also fosters national unity and social morality, reflecting the enduring spirit of its ancestors," the news release said.
The 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park is home to 91 ancient temples, which was built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.
The ancient park attracted a total of 584,375 international tourists during the January-July period of 2024, earning a gross revenue of about 27.2 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise. ■
