Cambodia: "Is It Safe with Just a Guide?"... Travel Agencies Provide No Warnings Despite Government Alerts

As cases of abduction and confinement crimes continue to occur in certain regions of Cambodia,

the government has issued a travel ban.

However, it has been confirmed that domestic travel agencies are still selling travel packages

without properly notifying customers of the associated risks.

[ The government says 'Travel Ban', travel agencies say 'Departures Possible' ]

University Areas Warned About 'Overseas Employment Scams'. Yonhap News

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designated certain areas, such as Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province, Bavet City, and Poipet City,

as Level 4 (Travel Ban) zones.

Sihanoukville Province has been issued a Level 3 (Departure Advisory),

and the special travel advisory for previously designated areas remains in effect.

In effect, the message is clear: "Do not go."

[ Travel packages are still being sold ]

Package tour to Cambodia sold by a travel agency. Screenshot from Naver

Nevertheless, major travel agencies continue to sell Siem Reap and Phnom Penh package tours as usual.

Several products have already been confirmed for departures through the end of November.

Nowhere in the product descriptions was there any mention of the current safety alerts.

[ Travel agencies say "It's okay if there is a guide" ]

Travel agency office. Getty Images Bank

Travel agencies claim that "there is no problem because a local guide will provide assistance."

There is no separate guidance at the reservation stage, and they say they will explain on-site.

Some travel agencies stated, "We will provide information only if there are inquiries,"

and revealed that they have no plans to include warning statements on the product pages.

[ There is a legal 'duty to provide information' ]

In the description section of Cambodia package tours, some indicate that the area is not subject to an overseas travel alert level, or do not list regions within Cambodia where travel alerts have been issued. Screenshot of major travel agency pages

According to the Tourism Promotion Act and overseas travel product information provision standards,

travel agencies are obligated to clearly inform customers of the travel alert level.

Simply writing "Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website" is insufficient,

and they must directly notify customers of the specific alert level and risk areas.

[ Experts say "The way information is accessed must fundamentally change" ]

Cambodia Crime Complex 'Taeja Complex' View. Photo by Yonhap News

Cambodia Crime Complex Showing Signs of Daily Life. Yonhap News Agency

Cambodia Crime Complex with Traces of Daily Life. Yonhap News

Experts point out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' measures and the list of travel alert areas

should be clearly indicated on travel agency websites.

There are also calls for a system in which safety information is

directly communicated from the government to the travel industry association to travel agencies.

The phrase "It's okay because there is a guide" is merely an expression of shifting responsibility.
Knowing the danger but not providing guidance is closer to neglect than protection.

If you want consumers to make choices, there must be at least a process of providing minimal information and accurately guiding the alert level.

Reporter
Lee Eunseo libro@asiae.co.kr
Edit
Hur Eunmi eungmimon@asiae.co.kr

Cambodia: "Is It Safe with Just a Guide?"... Travel Agencies Provide No Warnings Despite Government Alerts

Cambodia: "Is It Safe with Just a Guide?"... Travel Agencies Provide No Warnings Despite Government Alerts

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