Some 149,013 domestic tourists have been recorded on Oct. 5, the first day of the three-day Pchum Ben holiday, said a report of the Ministry of Tourism, adding that 147,544 of them were national visitors and 1,469 were foreigners.

The figure represents a decrease by 44.91 percent compared to the same period last year, stressed the report.

According to the source, coastal areas – Kampot, Kep, and Preah Sihanouk provinces – received the highest number of tourists, followed by the provinces of Pursat, Mondulkiri, and Siem Reap.

“The general situation for the first day was good despite rain in most provinces and capital. People are happy to travel and reunite with their families on the Pchum Ben Day, and the private sector also hopes for the influx of domestic tourists, which is the ‘breath’ of economy to support business operations to some extent,” the report underlined.

“Pchum Ben” Festival or the Festival for the Dead is the second biggest festival for the Cambodian people after the Khmer New Year.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press