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ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011

ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative 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 Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. ATF 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981. Cambodia will host ATF 2011 and is all geared up to welcome over 1,600 delegates which includes 400 international buyers and 100 international media.

CAMBODIA

The Kingdom of Cambodia is characterised by rich Indochine history filled with abundant heritage, warm and friendly people; a culture that is both intriguing and endearing.

Home to the magnificent Angkor temple complex and graced with colonial charm, Cambodia is mystifyingly beautiful. The 12th century Angkor complex is an archaeological gem of Asia that is universally recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world. With 200 monuments spread over an area of 400sq km, the Angkor truly represents Khmer art, great civilization, spirituality and national identity. Situated close to the Angkor complex is the provincial town of Siem Reap. Siem Reap has long been the gateway to the Angkor ruins and offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants and nightspots, as the Tonle Sap Lake nearby beckons with riverine activities.

2011's host city is a place once known as the "Pearl of Asia" - Phnom Penh. Its riches lie in its architecture infused with a unique flavour of French and Khmer traditions, with touches of the present age - bistros, boutique hotels, modern art galleries - dotting its bustling streets. An eclectic city of both history and modernity at the same time, it now stands proud as the commercial and political heart of the kingdom.

Embracing tourism as one of its key industries as national development intensifies, a prosperous future lies ahead for Cambodia and its people.

Discover the many charms of Cambodia

Equally fascinating is the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, the 9th - 12th century Preah Vihear Temple that rests on the edge of an enormous cliff 625 meters above sea level.

One will also be mesmerised by the Mekong River flowing north - south across Cambodia, which has adorned the sets of many international films.

Distinctively ubiquitous are the villages which is central to life in Cambodia. Be awed by traditional houses made from bamboo and other natural building materials. The construction of these houses is also steeped in tradition and beliefs, adding more character to the villages which already have defined territorial rights.

Cambodia also boasts a seaside paradise in the coastal city of SihanoukVille, 235km southwest of Phnom Penh.

Breathtakingly scenic and peaceful, it makes for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With its rich heritage and vast array of sights, it is no wonder Cambodia continues to be one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. It is indeed an ideal stage for ATF 2011- the region's foremost tourism and travel event.

FAST FACTS
Area Approximately 181,035 sq km
Capital Phnom Penh
Cities Siem Reap, SihanoukVille, Battambang, Kratie, Ratanakiri, Koh Kong, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihea.

Total population 13.7 million, of which 90% are Khmer, the rest Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, Phorng, Kuoy, Stieng, Tamil, etc...

Religions Buddhism is the official religion with close to 90% of the population Buddhists. Others - Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.

Language Khmer is the official language but English and French are also spoken.

Currency Riel, in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. The US Dollar is widely accepted in Cambodia. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, banks, shops and restaurants.

Climate The average temperature is between 27 - 28 degrees Celsius and varies in regions from 20 - 27 degree Celsius during the wet season and 28 - 35 degrees Celsius during the dry season. The coolest months of the year are December and January.

http://www.atfcambodia.com/