Source: Xinhua Author: 07/03/2008
Subject Concerned: Government Airlines Airport
Starting from Sep. 1, the departure tax that airline passengers line up to pay at the international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will be transferred to ticket price, local newspaper the Cambodian Daily said on July 3.
The government has not made an official announcement yet on the tax, but a meeting between authorities, airport management firm and about 20 airlines that serve the international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is tentatively set for mid-July, said Ho Vandy, president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents.
Moving the tax payment to ticket price is a victory for the industry and travelers, he said.
"Often people don't carry the money, or don't carry U.S. dollars, so it is very difficult for the tourists who don't know they will have to pay (the airport tax)," he added.
The airport management service fee, US$25 for foreigner and US$18 for Cambodian nationals, has been levied by the government since 2003 and goes to airport infrastructure construction, as well as service and security improvement.