According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Chinese investors and visitors are welcome to return, and their presence is essential for the country’s socioeconomic and tourism growth.
According to a press release from the ministry, “Cambodia is glad to welcome the return of Chinese tourists as well as other international tourists.” Chinese tourists and investors make significant contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and expansion of the tourism industry.
According to the statement, the reopening of China’s borders on January 8 will significantly benefit the travel and tourism industries in all nations because China is a significant source of potential travelers for the entire world.
In 2019, prior to the pandemic phase, Cambodia welcomed 2.36 million Chinese tourists, bringing in an estimated $1.8 billion in revenue. Chinese investment in industries associated with tourism accounted for more than half of all foreign direct investment in the country (FDI).
The statement noted that Cambodia attracted about 2.2 million foreign visitors in 2022 and predicted that the country would draw around 7 million by 2025 with the impending return of Chinese tourists.
In order to draw Chinese tourists to Cambodia in 2023, which will mark the 65th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China, the MoT will launch a campaign called “Cambodia-China Good Friends.”
Hun Sen, the prime minister of Cambodia, stated on Monday that the forthcoming reopening of China’s borders will boost the nation’s economy and tourism, adding that both Cambodia and other nations are eagerly anticipating the return of Chinese tourists.
He stated in a speech to the public, “We expect to welcome roughly 2 million Chinese tourists again.”
The three world heritage monuments in Cambodia—the Preah Vihear Temple in Preah Vihear province, the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site in Kampong Thom province—are well known.
In addition, it features a 450-km stretch of natural coastline that spans four provinces in the southwest.