Unesco visits Battambang in heritage site bid

A Unesco delegation yesterday conducted a study of Battambang city after the government asked the organisation to recognise it as a world heritage site. Ministers last month asked Unesco to classify Battambang, Kratie and Kampot as world heritage cities, as part of efforts to preserve traditional Khmer and French-colonial architecture.

The delegation conducted its assessment as Cambodia prepared to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and Unesco conference today and tomorrow.  Tourism Minister Thong Khon said Battambang is the first of the three cities to be visited by Unesco officials. 

“The tour is aimed at studying the heritage of the city based on its historical and cultural buildings,” Mr Khon said. “It is intended to help protect the city and provide us with recommendations to prepare Battambang as a Unesco world heritage site.” He added that heritage listings for Battambang, Kratie and Kampot will help diversify tourism in Cambodia. 

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