Background
The Ministry of Tourism has announced ongoing efforts to strengthen the quality and minimum standard recognition system for Cambodian tourist boat businesses. The initiative focuses on ensuring that water-based tourist travel is conducted with safety and service quality in line with defined standards.
Scope of Application
The quality recognition process applies to tourist boat businesses operating in Cambodia. These businesses may submit applications for service quality recognition to the Ministry of Tourism headquarters in Phnom Penh or through provincial and capital tourism departments.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The Ministry of Tourism is conducting inspections and recognizing the quality of Cambodian tourist boat services based on a structured evaluation system. The evaluation covers 34 assessment criteria and 19 mandatory conditions, focusing on five main indicators: environmental aspects, interior decoration, safety, equipment and materials, and staff and tourism service delivery.
The ministry is receiving applications on an ongoing basis from tourist boat businesses. It conducts safety and quality inspections before issuing service quality certificates, which can then be used by businesses when entering into contracts with partner companies. The ministry encourages tourist boat businesses to apply for service quality recognition free of charge at the Ministry’s office at Plot No. 3A, Street 169, Veal Vong commune, 7 Makara district, Phnom Penh, or via capital and provincial tourism departments.
The Ministry of Tourism has congratulated the following tourist boat businesses in Kampot province for receiving recognition: Happy Boat, Miss Kampot Boat, Neptune Boat, Friendly, Nary Boat, Lovely Boat, Vibola Boat, and Jasmine Boat.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Tourist boat operators are expected to align their services with the Ministry of Tourism’s assessment criteria and mandatory conditions to obtain quality recognition. Recognized businesses receive official service quality certificates, which may support their commercial arrangements with partner companies. Participation in the recognition system is facilitated by a no-fee application process handled by the Ministry of Tourism and provincial tourism departments.
Official Source
Ministry of Tourism, official announcement via Facebook post dated 13 February 2023.
