#Cambodia - Unesco, ministry vow stronger cooperation

Unesco pledged to continue working closely with the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism to promote the conservation and sustainable development of Cambodia’s ecotourism sector and support government plans to develop tourism sites in Siem Reap province, including the Angkor Archaeological Park.

During a meeting with Thong Khon, the Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Sardar Umar Alam, Unesco’s new representative to Cambodia, said that, under the leadership of the Cambodian government, his organisation is collaborating successfully with the ministries of Tourism and Culture, the Apsara Authority and the World Tourism Organisation.

He promised to deepen this collaboration to make the Angkor Archaeological Park and surrounding areas, including the Tonle Sap and Prek Toal, into top tourist attractions and biodiversity areas in the region.

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Mr Umar Alam also provided suggestions on improving the conservation of the Tonle Sap, Kulen Mountain, Preah Vihear Temple, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, and Sambor Prei Kuk, which, he said, can be added to travel packages that include ecotourism sites in the country’s southwest and northeast.

Mr Umar Alam said his organisation will continue to organise programmes to promote the development of Cambodia’s ecotourism and culture sectors, while supporting the Integrated Development Master Plan in Siem Reap, Angkor and surrounding areas.

Source - Khmer Times

#Thailand's International Balloon Festival returns

                             This year marks the 10th anniversary of Thailand’s first and only International Balloon Festival, which will be held March 2-4 at the Cowboy Army Riding Club, Chiang Mai.

Visitors can expect the spectacular sight of colourful hot air balloons gracefully drifting through the air, and the festival’s signature balloons night glow that will decorate the sky at night.

This year will be the first time ever in the world that “The Sparkling Glow” of the balloon nightglow has been created by Sornchat Krainara, the Festival’s Owner, and composer, Bringkop Vora-Urai. The night glow will be synchronised with specially composed music performed by the Lanna Orchestra. The music combines The Tiger Drum and Opera, and has never been performed anywhere before.

Famous German Opera singer, Thomas Kiessling, will be joining popular Thai singer Pe’ Kamonporn in performing La Vie En Rose in a duet battle of the stars! The highlight of the evening is a fantastic performance of the Tiger Drum group. Another combination of East and West performances will be ‘SPLASH’, an event that fuses Flamenco and Lanna Contemporary Dance. These two dance styles will come together in a wild array of colours and movement that will truly ‘splash out’.

There will be plenty more special attractions, activities for the whole family and delicious food from Chiang Mai’s top hotels and restaurants. One of the special guests will be Thai celebrity chef Som Chanakarn, who will be putting on quite a display. For those who love coffee, there will also be a coffee carnival showcasing some of the best coffees that Thailand has on offer.

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Other events include art exhibitions and workshops from many artists, a Thai fashion extravaganza and jewellery shows from well-known Thai designers.

Kent Gregory, founder of Sop Mei Arts will proudly present his work undertaken in collaboration with Anna Ferrari, a former Ikea Interior Designer.

The Thailand International Balloon Festival this year will continue to include Chiang Mai’s diverse international community in the International Heritage section with booths from India, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Germany and many other countries featuring performances, special activities, food and more.

Single-day tickets are 300 Baht for adults, 100 Baht for children aged 7-12 years, and free of charge for kids under 7 years of age. Buy tickets online at Eventbrite. Once registered online, visitors won’t need a paper ticket. The event this year is going fully digital, reducing its carbon footprint, and encouraging vendors and visitors to avoid using plastic and straws.

Source - TheNation