More Than 20% Rise in Chinese Tourists to Cambodia in 2016

More than 900,000 Chinese tourists were recorded to arrive in Cambodia in 2016. The country is planning to host 7 million foreign tourists by 2020 and last year’s figures will definitely serve as a boost for better tourism campaigning.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon said that in 2016, 900,000 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia and this was a 20% increase compared with 2015. In 2015, there were recorded 5 million international tourist arrivals and Chinese nationals were ranked second just after Europe and other Western nations. Leaping into 2017, this definitely would be a bright start for 2017’s tourism industry.

Khon said that tourism is expected to grow and by 2020 that they can expect 7 million tourists, of which 2 million will be from mainland China.

Last June, the ministry established the China Ready Centre (CRC) to cater to roughly 2 million Chinese tourists expected to visit the country per year by 2020, as well as to improve the skills of local tourist operators working with Chinese clients. The CRC was set up due to the rapid yearly growth of Chinese tourist arrivals in the country and was built to facilitate research on the requirements and demands of Chinese tourists. It would also help to strengthen the Chinese language and cultural skills of Cambodian tourist operators.

Khon also said that the memorandum of understanding mainly focuses on building cooperation and strategic partnership between the Tourism Ministry and the company to promote more flights from different regions of China directly to Cambodia. At present, there are 94 direct flights a week between Cambodia and China, with 51 flights to Phnom Penh, 31 flights to Siem Reap and 12 flights to Sihanoukville.

Cambodia is not only about the temples but tourists can also enjoy the diversified options such as recreation centers, nightlife, resorts and much more.