PHNOM PENH: Minister of Tourism Huot Hak has stressed that the future of Cambodia’s tourism industry cannot be separated from growing numbers of Chinese tourists and investors, as the Kingdom continues rolling out campaigns to draw more international visitors.
He delivered the remarks during the “Cambodia-China Martial Arts Performance”, staged at Bayon Temple in Siem Reap on Thursday (April 30).
The event featured a joint showcase of traditional Khmer martial arts—including Kun Lbokator, Yuthakun Khom and Kun Khmer — alongside Chinese disciplines such as Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
The minister highlighted the steady rise in Chinese arrivals. In 2025, Cambodia welcomed around 5.6 million international visitors, including approximately 1.2 million Chinese tourists — an increase of about 42 per cent, ranking China second among international markets.
In the first three months of 2026 alone, Cambodia welcomed more than one million international guests, including over 240,000 Chinese tourists, making China the number one source.
Based on these figures, Hak noted that the Kingdom’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong cooperation between the government and private sector, along with timely implementation of key measures and action plans.
He pointed in particular to initiatives such as the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign and the “Solidarity Season” campaign, which have helped the industry stay on track with revised targets and forecasts.
“It is undeniable that the future of Cambodia’s tourism sector cannot be separated from attracting the growth of Chinese tourists and investors. Cambodia is ready to welcome their return by improving the environment and hospitality climate for Chinese visitors and investors,” he said.
He also expressed his support for the Cambodian government’s decision to introduce a visa exemption for Chinese nationals holding PRC passports. Under the pilot scheme, visitors can stay in Cambodia for up to 14 days during a four-month trial period, from June 15 to October 15.
He described the move as a “historic milestone for Cambodia–China tourism cooperation” which is expected to further boost Chinese arrivals — especially during the country’s lush green season, which runs from May to October.
“This decision is a major achievement for Cambodia-China tourism, paving the way for broader cooperation and further increasing the flow of Chinese tourists to Cambodia,” he said.
In addition, the minister announced the appointment of the 16 Shaolin monks who performed at the event as goodwill ambassadors to help promote Cambodia-China tourism.
He called on all Chinese participants and online viewers of the event to share their positive impressions of Cambodia with audiences in China and around the world, encouraging more people to visit with confidence.
“Cambodia is a safe, friendly and welcoming international tourism destination, offering warm hospitality, attractive tourism potential and the world-recognised ‘Smile of Cambodia’,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
