The infrastructure development and beautification works are in full swing in the Angkor Archaeological Park as tourists are expected to arrive in large numbers from next month.

Spokesman for the Apsara National Authority Long Kosal said, “We have set up new parking lots, new toilets, new roads and bridges and are planting a variety of trees to add more to the greenery, all of which are in the context of sustainable development in the Angkor Archaeological Park area,” he said.

“Inside the temple complex, we have improved the facilities for tourists such as the installation of wooden stairs to stop the erosion of temple stone further,” he said.

In addition, the authority has trained staff in charge of tourist coordination, tourism services, general public order, first aid, among others so that they can carry out their tasks more effectively.

He noted that that the beautification of the UNESCO heritage area as well as the training of staff will make it more attractive for tourists.

“Visitors, both foreign and domestic, find Angkor Wat as a green park to relax and exercise. Since September 2, there is a rise in the number of people visiting the site to take pictures of the sun rising over the top of Angkor Wat,” he added.

Ho Vandy, advisor of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said that the re-organisation of infrastructure, tree planting and decoration at Angkor Wat is part of efforts to restore the growth of domestic and foreign tourists.

The authority has planted more than 47,000 trees and local people have volunteered to relocate from the heritage area to the development areas of Run Ta Ek, Banteay Srei and Peak Sneng, Angkor Thom district, Siem Reap province since last December, he added.