The future of Cambodia’s tourism industry is closely linked to the influx of Chinese tourists and investors, according to Cambodian officials speaking in Siem Reap province on Thursday.
Prak Phannara, Secretary of State for the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, expressed eagerness to welcome more Chinese visitors and investors, highlighting that the country is well-prepared for their return following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The growth of Chinese tourists is an important opportunity, not only to boost the development of the tourism industry but also to create investment opportunities in different sectors,” Phannara said at the Cambodia-China Tourism Forum 2024 in Siem Reap.
“Cambodia and countries around the world have considered China as a strategic partner and the most important source of market for their economic growth and national development,” he added.
He noted that tourism contributes nearly 13 percent to Cambodia’s gross domestic product (GDP), generating numerous direct and indirect jobs for local communities.
During the first seven months of 2024, Cambodia received 3.75 million international tourists, an increase of 23.2 percent compared to the previous year. Of these visitors, approximately 460,000 were Chinese tourists, representing a 45.7 percent rise.
In the pre-pandemic era, China was the largest source of international tourists to Cambodia. In 2019, the kingdom welcomed 2.36 million Chinese tourists, accounting for 35.7 percent of total international arrivals.
Reference(s):
Cambodia's tourism inseparable from Chinese tourists: officials
cgtn.com
