by Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai
As I had the chance to visit Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh at the beginning of May 2010, I went to examine and visit some official hotels, which will be hosting buyers and international media during the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) during January 15-21, 2011.
ATF is a co-operative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member nations of ASEAN: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Thus, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries each year. ATF2011 marks the 30th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981 and will be under the theme of “ASEAN – A World of Wonders and Diversity.”
It is projected that Cambodia will welcome over 1.600 delegates, which includes 400 international buyers and 100 international media. As Cambodia has already successfully hosted ATF in Phnom Penh in 2003, the Ministry of Tourism is honored for Phnom Penh to be chosen once again to host the event. There has been a lot of development in infrastructure and facilities since then and TRAVEX (Travel Exchange), the main happening during ATF, will be held at the newly built Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center.
TRAVEX is a trade-only mart designed to offer opportunities for sellers of ASEAN travel products to meet buyers from around the world through scheduled appointments. It is also an ideal platform for buyers to gather the latest information on ASEAN tourism products and services, establish new business contacts and learn about the tourism trade in the region.
Located along the Mekong-Bassac River, in the heart of Phnom Penh, “Diamond Island” covers an area of 100 hectares. In 2006, the Khmer-Canadian Oversea Cambodia Investment Company (OCIC) signed an agreement with the government of Phnom Penh to develop and manage the island.
Diamond Island will consist of not only tourism areas, but will also have shopping malls, 5-star hotels, an Expo center, villas, flats, offices, schools, hospitals and an impressive 333 meter high tower, from which everyone will be able to have a 360-degree panoramic view of Phnom Penh.
As the newest hotel “NagaWorld” is just a stone-throw of this ambitious Diamond Island City, I started my survey there on May 1 and was welcomed by Mr. Huot Dara, Manager Sales & Marketing, who introduced me to the official hotel of ATF2011.
NagaWorld Cambodia (www.nagaworld.com) is a first-class hotel and casino entertainment complex, which is quickly becoming a key landmark in the heart of Phnom Penh, overlooking the mighty Mekong River and Samdech Hun Sen Park, within easy access to the Royal Palace, National Museum and the Independence Monument. With a multi-faceted 8-storey wing dedicated to entertainment, such as public gaming halls and karaoke lounges, the hotel complex offers 525 deluxe rooms and suites in its 14-storey hotel wing and a dedicated Spa, where it is possible to get a real Khmer traditional massage. In an annex building behind, there are plans to have a 5-storey car park with a rooftop swimming pool.
For one night I tried a guestroom on the 10th floor and was overwhelmed by the superb view over Chaktomuk, the four faces of the Mekong River, as well as the low profile of the city. The room had all modern facilities, such as broadband Internet access, in-room safe, LCD TV, and a convenient bathroom.
The hotel offers five restaurants, such as the Bistro Romano Italian, Korean Grill, Chopstick Noodle House, Le Gourmet French, and the Pangea Fusion Restaurant. Also, there is the Aristocratic Wine & Cigar Bar and the sophisticated Darlin Darlin Club Lounge, where it is no problem to feel at home. Needless to say that there is a state of the art ballroom, which easily can accommodate 1.600 people, an auditorium and five fully equipped meeting rooms.
My next stop and 3-night stay was in the 410-room Phnom Penh Hotel (www.phnompenhhotel.com), which is also an official hotel of ATF2011 and managed by Thailand-born Khun Pheerasit Kanthiwang. The hotel is located at No 53, Monivong Boulevard, and in walking distance to the important landmark of Wat Phnom. Also within walking distance are a myriad of French colonial mansions and a wealth of shopping places and markets waiting to be discovered.
At the moment, the hotel is in the midst of a renovation that will swallow more than 100.000USD. Famous are its daily food and beverage activities, such as the Palm View Cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Hugo’s Grill offering a wine and steak promotion, Coffee Corner with bakery or pastry, and Pool Side with a sandwich promotion. Last not least, Zenith Lounge features a popular Philippine music band entertaining the guests until midnight. There are also massage & spa facilities and a modern Health Club. I’m sure that the hotel will be fully booked, when ATF2011 is town.
Other official hotels of ATF are the following (in alphabetical order):
- The Almond Hotel (www.almondhotel.com.kh) is designed and constructed in a contemporary Khmer style and equipped with modern facilities to help the tourist relax and plan the stay. Guests visiting for business can continue their work in comfort. The hotel offers free internet access in all guest rooms and common facilities.
- The Cambodiana Hotel (www.hotelcambodiana.com) offers a new concept in exclusive, luxury accommodation for leisure or business travelers in search of privacy, relaxation and recreation. The luxury hotel has 234 rooms and suites with excellent views of the Royal Palace or the mighty Mekong River.
- The Himawari Hotel (www.himawarihotel.com) is located in the heart of the vibrant city of Phnom Penh and provides easy access to embassies, government ministries and historic sites. Self-contained apartments, most with magnificent views of the Tonle Sap River, are perfect for short or long stays. The hotel’s well-known Oyster Restaurant and Bar serves Eastern and Western cuisine. There is a comprehensive range of facilities, such as the on-site Fitness One Health Club, including outdoor jacuzzi, swimming pool, tennis court and a dance studio.
- The Imperial Garden Villa & Hotel (www.imperialgarden-hotel.com) is cooled by river breezes just minutes away from Phnom Penh bustling riverfront area.
- InterContinental Phnom Penh
(www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental) is located in the business district overlooking the spectacular panoramic view of the city with an extensive choice of meeting, dining and leisure options. Its 346 rooms blend contemporary and traditional design, featuring clean, modern lines with delicate motifs of ancient Khmer art.
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal (www.raffles.com) owns a unique combination of Khmer tradition, Art Deco and French colonial architecture, since its doors were opened in 1929. The legendary Raffles experience is enhanced by gracious Cambodian staff, anticipating every need with grace and genuine warmth. Try the most famous Elephant Bar.
- The Sunway Phnom Penh (www.phnompenh.sunwayhotels.com) is located in the city center and offers 138 spacious guestrooms and suites with own high-speed broadband Internet access. Seating capacity of its eleven meeting rooms varies from 50-270 people. Surrounded by lush greenery amidst colonial buildings, the hotel is a walking distance to the riverfront and major shopping centers.
- The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra (www.sofitel.com) will be a blending Asian and European design elements, when it opens in October of this year. The 202 room and suite will lavish you with luxurious and high-tech facilities.
When I left Phnom Penh again on May 5 for Siem Reap by bus, I was upbeat about the speed of developments in Phnom Penh, which is not only the biggest town along the mighty Mekong River in Southeast Asia but also a cosmopolitan metropolis to come. Surely, the town is working to be ready for ATF2011.
For further information, please go to www.atfcambodia.com or contact j.fischer@tourism-insider.com.
