Cambodia Eyes 1 Million Chinese Tourists By 2020

PHNOM PENH, April 24 (Bernama) -- Cambodia is aiming to attract at least one million Chinese tourists by 2020, a senior official said Tuesday.

"We expect 500,000 Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia in 2015 and 1 million by 2020," Cambodia's Tourism Minister Thong Khon said after a tourism conference attended by some 500 participants here.

To achieve that aim, the government will continue to encourage more direct flight connections between Cambodia and China, and urge the tourism industry and accommodation providers to use Khmer, English and Chinese languages in their promotional efforts.

So Visothy, director of the Tourism Ministry's Marketing and Promotion Department, said Cambodia received 2.88 million international tourists last year, of whom 247,200 were from China.

"We believe our target of attracting one million Chinese tourists is achievable as Cambodia has political stability and wonderful tourism potential. Diplomatic ties between Cambodia and China are excellent," he said.

Visothy highlighted some challenges in attracting Chinese tourists, including limited direct flight connections, limited promotion, and Cambodia's tourism products and services that have not met demands from the Chinese market.

"Visa fees to Cambodia are also higher compared to those in neighbouring countries, as well as air fares and tour packages," he added.

In view of this, Visothy said the ministry will encourage airlines and tour agencies to offer competitive prices for Chinese tourists.

--BERNAMA