The centuries-old temples of Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat recently hosted a parade featuring an impressive lineup of Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. However, drivers were instructed not to rev their supercharged engines. This event was organized to promote the environmentally sensitive UNESCO World Heritage site, which is encircled by lush forests and towering trees. Angkor Wat holds the distinction of being the world’s largest temple complex.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s economy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country welcomed about 6.6 million visitors annually. However, this number plummeted to below 200,000 in 2021 due to the pandemic. The tourism sector has seen a rebound, with nearly 5.5 million visitors last year, which brought in over $3 billion in revenue. Despite this recovery, numbers have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.
During the supercar parade, tourists were astonished by the sight of luxury vehicles at the Angkor Wat Temple complex. Photos of the supercars participating in the Gumball 3000 Rally in Cambodia were widely circulated. Cambodia’s tourism minister, Sok Soken, emphasized that strict guidelines were enforced for the event. He explained to AFP that revving engines was prohibited “in terms of disrespect to our heritage here,” reflecting the importance of preserving the site’s cultural integrity.
