Image Source Khmer Times

Cambodia hopes for return of Chinese tourists

November 10, 2023 Cambodia Industry Updates

Hun Manet, the prime minister of Cambodia, emphasized that Cambodia is a secure place to visit and expressed his hope that more Chinese travelers would return.

Hun Manet encouraged Chinese businesses to choose Cambodia for investment at a Chinese-invested special economic zone in Preah Sihanouk province, pointing out the positive contributions of both Chinese visitors and investors to the country’s socioeconomic advancement and employment creation.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, China was Cambodia’s top supplier of international visitors. In 2019, 2.36 million Chinese tourists arrived in the country, accounting for 35.7% of all foreign visitors and generating about $1.8 billion in revenue.

Despite the outbreak, there has been a notable rise in Chinese tourism to Cambodia; 405,514 visits were registered between January and September of this year, representing a 549 percent year-over-year increase.

Top Sopheak, the secretary of state and spokesman for the ministry of tourism, welcomed the Chinese visitors and reiterated the government’s commitment to their protection and safety. The Chinese community is cordially invited by the Cambodian government to come and see for themselves why the country is a safe haven.