The Ministry of Tourism has plans to host an official greeting event for Chinese tourists in Cambodia.

Minister Thong Khon indicated it in a meeting yesterday to discuss measures of recovery for the tourism industry from Covid-19.

The greeting is scheduled to be held at one of Cambodia’s three international airports, Khon said, adding that the ministry is working with relevant parties on the ceremony’s official schedule.

“The Ministry of Tourism has been cooperating with the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation to view a large number of flights from China to Cambodia and to find a suitable time to host a greeting event to welcome Chinese tourists to Cambodia in a warm and attractive manner,” Khon said.

After the Chinese government announced the country’s reopening on January 8, there are five Chinese flights to Cambodia per day, the ministry said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said last week that Cambodia is pleased to welcome the return of Chinese tourists.

He said that China’s upcoming reopening of its borders would revitalize the Kingdom’s economy and tourism.

“When China reopens its borders, flights will increase many times, so we hope to welcome about 2 million Chinese tourists again in 2023,” he said.

Cambodia is an attractive, safe and warm place for Chinese tourists, he said.

According to the UNWTO, China was the world’s largest source of tourism market in the past 19 years.

In 2022, Cambodia received foreign tourists of 2.2 million, of which only 110,000 were Chinese tourists, Khon said.

“In 2023, if China removes the zero Covid-19 policy and with the 32nd SEA GAME in Cambodia and the ASEAN Para Games, Cambodia is expected to receive at least 4 million international tourists,” Khon said.

Cambodia is ready to welcome Chinese tourists on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic ties. The Chinese and Cambodian sides will organise several events, including celebrations in Cambodia and China, promoting Cambodian-Chinese tourism.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting the economy in Cambodia.

In the pre-pandemic era, the Kingdom registered 6.6 million international tourists in 2019, generating $4.92 billion in revenue.