PHNOM PENH: Cambodia welcomed 125 Chinese tourists from Beijing at Phnom Penh International Airport on Tuesday, 7 February 2023, in the first commercial flight from Beijing to Phnom Penh since the Chinese government reopened borders on 8 January 2023, allowing Chinese citizens to travel abroad again.

The official welcoming was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation, the Cambodia Airport Management Company, the Cambodia Tourism Association and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, with 125 Chinese tourists arriving in a flight operated by Air China.

"After the first arrival of Chinese tourists, we will strive to attract 800,000 to 1 million Chinese tourists by 2023," said Tourism Minister Thong Khon.

The Minister further called on tourism operators and business based in the tourism sector to adhere to the existing principles and ensure that they properly welcome these tourists, especially as the Chinese tourism market is a large market for Cambodia and the world.

He added that on 16 February 2023, the first flights from Koun Ming and Shanghai will arrive in Siem Reap, operated by China Eastern (both chartered flights).

"Chinese tourism to Cambodia will increase steadily from March 2023," said Minister Thong Khon.

In January 2023, Cambodia just received about 400,000 international tourists, including about 25,000 Chinese tourists, which is an increase of 901% compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, a total of 1,648 flights arrived in Cambodia, of which 1,178 were received at Phnom Penh International Airport.