Tourists return to Angkor Wat

As dawn breaks over the ancient towers of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, it's hoped it will herald a new awakening for tourism in this Southeast Asian country. The pandemic wreaked havoc on the industry and even as Cambodia celebrated the return of foreign visitors towards the end of 2021, numbers nosedived. A 6.6 million pre-pandemic average fell to a mere 200,000 per annum.

Those spearheading this resurgence are relishing the opportunity to witness the sacred World Heritage complex in a highly unconventional state, as it would ordinarily be thronging with tourists.

Marjan Colombie's a returning visitor to Cambodia from Belgium.

Marjan Colombie: "Oh it's, it's a wonderful experience. It's, I know it's not good for Cambodia, I, I really, I wish all the tourists to come back because Cambodia really needs it. That's why as soon as we could, we came back also. But, but for us, it's a really nice experience."

Hanna, a sightseer from Germany, is enjoying her first ever trip to Cambodia.

Hanna: "Yeah, it's a much more special moment because it's a very unique experience. So, it's not many people here and it's quite quiet. So, you can really enjoy yourself and take a breath and look at everything, and nobody stressing out. There are no big groups around."

Although coronavirus dealt a colossal economic blow, the enforced pause allowed for vital repair and maintenance work. The towers' deteriorating stonework has been restored, while the grounds now benefit from a water system designed to irrigate the lawns during the dry season.

A steady change is underway as local enterprises throw open their doors and the hospitality industry reactivates, with a fifth of hotels around the UNESCO site already securing bookings. Despite this upturn, the tourist board's cautioned that a full rebound in numbers may require another year, meaning that for now, Angkor Wat remains a tranquil, entrancing haven for visitors like Marjan.

Marjan Colombie: "I think it's a once in a lifetime experience to, to really see it with such few tourists. So, I am, I'm really, really happy to, to be able to experience it like, like this."

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