DECEMBER 19 2014, Hong Kong / Siem Reap – DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, today announced its entry into Cambodia, with plans to open a T Galleria by DFS store in Siem Reap, a popular resort town and provincial capital in close proximity to the ancient temple of Angkor Wat, in early 2016. T Galleria by DFS Angkor will present an unrivalled luxury shopping experience in the heart of Siem Reap, offering an integrated experience of retail, hospitality and leisure that will serve to augment available tourist activities in the area and encourage visitors to extend their stay.
Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the fabled ruins of Angkor Wat, one the world’s most important heritage sites. The largest religious monument in the world, the temple was built in the first half of the 12th century and has since become a symbol of Cambodia and the country’s prime tourist attraction. Cambodia has enjoyed a boom in tourism in the last few years, and Siem Reap also plays host to a large number of NGOs and other not-for profits, as well as thousands of expatriates who call the town home and have helped to develop the local economy.
Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of DFS Group said,
“Coming to Cambodia is a momentous occasion for DFS and we are honored to be able to contribute to its allure as one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations. Angkor Wat has captured the imagination of world travelers for the last 150 years. Today, visitors to the region are from a diverse group of nationalities and are increasingly seeking a unique combination of mysterious exoticism, cultural experience and luxury convenience. We look forward to welcoming them in this delightful and enchanting location.”
The T Galleria Angkor store spans more than 8,000 square meters over two floors, and is housed in a spectacular Khmer architecture building shared with the Angkor National Museum, home to some of the region’s most acclaimed historical artefacts. Located on the main avenue of Charles de Gaulle and accessible from every major luxury hotel in the city, the store will feature contemporary as well as Khmer architecture and design in an expansive and airy setting. It will also house a restaurant, offering travelers a tranquil respite from their active itineraries. Product ranges on offer will include high fashion and accessories, watches and jewelry, and fragrances and cosmetics from leading international brands as well as a selection of the best available locally handcrafted artisan products.
“T Galleria by DFS Angkor will be a prime attraction for visitors, particularly in the hottest periods of the day. Visitors will be able to indulge their taste for renowned international luxury brands and local artisanship in pleasant surroundings that pay homage to local culture and design, reflecting the rich traditions of this unique destination,” added Philippe Schaus. “Indeed, as the leader in luxury travel retail, we aim to elevate the experience for our traveling clientele by offering high quality, expertly-crafted and curated products from our partner brands around the world as well as from Cambodia.”
Siem Reap accounted for almost 30% of the 4 million international visitors, as well as most of the international cultural tourists arriving into Cambodia in 2013. As tourism is anticipated to continue, accounting for an increasingly large proportion of Cambodia’s overall GDP, DFS aims to work in close partnership with local organizations and institutions to support the growth of a sustainable economy.
