Phnom Penh – Ten large Chinese tourism businesses have expressed strong interest in Cambodia’s tourism sector, as 2025 marks the official “Cambodia-China Tourism Year.”
According to the Ministry of Tourism, on August 30 in Tianjin, Tourism Minister Huot Hak—who is accompanying Prime Minister Hun Manet to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit—met with executives of major tourism operators from Beijing and Tianjin.
During the meeting, Hak highlighted Cambodia’s political stability, social security, and diverse tourism offerings, ranging from ancient temples and historical sites to pristine beaches, islands, and natural landscapes. He also emphasized the Kingdom’s warm hospitality and culinary appeal, while outlining government incentive mechanisms designed to attract more Chinese tourists.
“Cambodia is an emerging tourism market with vast potential, supported by incentives and priorities aligned with the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025, endorsed by both nations’ leaders,” he said.
Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation through the development of more Cambodia-bound tourism packages, the expansion of direct flights between Tianjin and Phnom Penh as well as Siem Reap, and the promotion of Cambodia’s safety and security. Plans were also made to organize familiarisation trips and joint tourism events under the bilateral tourism year framework.
Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, welcomed the initiative, noting that stronger ties with Chinese tourism companies would generate significant opportunities for Cambodia. “Every country wants tourists, as tourism not only boosts arrivals but also attracts investors. I expect Chinese tourist numbers to keep growing as flights expand from major Chinese cities,” he said.
The push follows five tourism-related memorandums of understanding signed on August 26 in Kunming, Yunnan province, between Cambodian and Chinese tourism bodies and enterprises, further strengthening bilateral tourism promotion.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that Cambodia welcomed 3.71 million international visitors in the first seven months of 2025, a slight 0.8 percent dip from the same period in 2024. However, arrivals from China surged 48.2 percent to 687,509, accounting for 18.5 percent of total visitors. In 2024, Cambodia received 6.7 million international tourists, up 23 percent year-on-year, including 850,000 Chinese visitors—a 55 percent rise compared to 2023.
With 2025 designated as the Cambodia-China Tourism Year, industry leaders believe that increased connectivity, joint promotions, and targeted packages will position Cambodia as a leading destination for Chinese travelers.
Also read, Cambodia, China Ink Five MoUs to Boost Tourism Cooperation
