WPTCambodia2024
Heads up, poker enthusiasts! Cambodia is simplifying its arrivals process by introducing e-arrival cards starting January 1, 2024. The trial period will last until June 30, 2024, when tourists can file immigration, customs, and health information online.
“By providing a seamless and expedited entry procedure, the app could substantially enhance the country’s overall appeal as a tourist destination. The convenience and efficiency offered by the app may serve as a key differentiator for Cambodia in the competitive global tourism market, setting it apart as a more visitor-friendly and accessible location,” said Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia.
This revolutionary entry process for tourists comes at the perfect time, as World Poker Tour (WPT) Cambodia is slated to open the Main Tour season in Southeast Asia from January 17 to 30, 2024.
Cambodia has become a prime destination for poker, with 4.4 million tourists visiting in the first ten months of 2023. Tourism has risen 180 percent since 2022.
Cambodia will feature the Mike Sexton Champions Cup for the first time!
Formally known as the WPT Champions Cup, the Mike Sexton Champions Cup is named after its late commentator and has since commemorated over 300 champions. WPT Cambodia, in partnership with Connaissance Management, will occur in Phnom Penh at the NagaWorld Integrated Resort.
Visitors can enjoy special player rates as low as $55 for a 3-night stay at NagaWorld 2, which will also provide Dining Credits. In addition, eligible players can receive a six to 13-night stay in a Deluxe Room for free through the WPT High Roller Free Room Programme, which includes breakfast at The Pangea. Bookings close on December 31.
Sign up here —> WPT High Roller Free Room Programme
The tournament features the most significant prize pot in WPT Southeast Asian history!
The 44-game lineup is highlighted by the US$ 1,000,000 guaranteed WPT Cambodia Championship. This is the first time the WPT has extended a seven-figure prize pot for a single event in Southeast Asia. Even better, players will be pleased to know that the upcoming event has NO TAX on cash and tournament winnings.
Getting to the NagaWorld Complex
Travelers arriving at the Phnom Penh International Airport can get to the NagaWorld Complex via Grab Taxi or Metered Taxi Service Global Taxi. The journey is 10km and should take about a half hour.
Currency in Cambodia
Most Cambodian shops readily accept US Dollars, which is more common than Riel. Cash games and tournaments at the festival will use US$. Players can exchange currency at NagaWorld 1 and at the underground mall.
Poker in Cambodia
Prior to WPT’s arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia didn’t come across as a premier poker destination. However, it has since reestablished its reputation as a poker go-to and a melting pot of cultures.
Over the years, Cambodia has become a favorite for WPT, amassing 750 entries in 2019, 1,050 in 2022, and 1,011 in 2023. The WPT Prime 2022 turnout was the most significant event paying out US$ 1,008,100. This remains the richest prize pool by the brand in the country.
As a tourist destination, Cambodia is thriving. Minister of Tourism Sok Soken said about the e-arrival card, “We aspire for guests to immerse themselves in unique experiences relating to our heritage and culture, as well as other Cambodian products. Our goal is to establish Cambodia as a premier global tourism destination.”
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*Article by Zoe Alcazaren
Tricia David
Tricia David has long experience as a recreational poker player and has been covering poker events since 2010 for numerous outfits in Asia. She spent one year working part time with Poker Portal Asia then became editor and lead writer for all event coverage of the Philippine Poker Tour (PPT). Under the PPT, she overlooked content for their website, and produced live updates on all their events. In addition, she served as the live and online events website content writer for the Asian Poker Tour. Currently, she does live events reporting in Asia for online news site Somuchpoker and is also one of their news contributors.
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