The Cambodian private sector is optimistic about Cambodia Angkor Air's plans to expand direct flights between major Chinese cities and key destinations in Cambodia. They anticipate significant benefits for the country, particularly in tourism, trade, and increased Chinese investment.
Zhan David, CEO of Cambodia Angkor Air, met with Minister of Tourism Huot Hak on October 16 to discuss the airline's expansion plans. David announced that in 2025, the airline intends to increase the number of direct flights between China and Cambodia, as well as expand domestic routes. This initiative aims to boost Cambodia's tourism sector by providing easier travel options for international visitors, especially from China.
During the meeting, David also committed to further promoting Cambodia's tourism potential among the Chinese population. He outlined plans to organize business forums with Chinese investors to attract more investment into Cambodia.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed 3,742,230 international tourists between January and July 2024, marking a 23.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Among these, 538,834 tourists were from China, reflecting a 47.7% rise from the previous year.
Anheng Sokpheak, president of the Cambodia Chinese Tour Guide Association, highlighted that Chinese tourists are a key market for Cambodia’s tourism industry. Although the numbers have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, they are steadily increasing. He emphasized that boosting flight frequency and adding new destinations is crucial to making travel easier and attracting more visitors. Chinese tourists typically spend 5 to 8 days in Cambodia, with popular destinations including the ancient temples of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville.
"As someone working in the tourism sector, I fully support Cambodia Angkor Air's plan to increase flights to major Chinese cities. More flights will make it easier to attract more Chinese visitors," Sokpheak said.
Trade between Cambodia and China is also growing. According to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), the total trade volume between the two countries reached $11.15 billion from January to September 2024, a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Cambodian exports to China grew by 20.8% to $1.28 billion, while imports from China increased by 22.7%, totaling $9.87 billion.
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), noted that China is a global hub for the production and processing of raw materials and finished goods. The expansion of flights will provide more opportunities for Chinese tourists and investors to explore business opportunities in Cambodia, raising awareness of the Kingdom and encouraging further Chinese investment.
Vichet added that this expansion could benefit Cambodian businesses by helping them find investment partners or access high-quality, reasonably priced raw materials and products to meet local demand and support export activities.
“Tourism will allow Chinese citizens, including investors, to better understand Cambodian consumers’ needs, both domestically and for export markets, potentially encouraging them to establish production facilities in Cambodia,” Vichet explained. He also pointed out that increased tourism would further boost trade between the two nations.
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