Cambodia hosted a welcome ceremony for the return of Chinese tourists after China had lifted travel restrictions.

The official welcoming ceremony was held at Sihanoukville International Airport in Preah Sihanouk province on Jan. 27 in the presence of the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism, State Secretariat for Civil Aviation, and representatives of Preah Sihanouk provincial authorities.

The 104 Chinese passengers on board of Chinese Ruili Airlines, touching down at Sihanoukville International Airport from Kunming International Airport in Yunnan province, were presented Khmer Krama and flower bouquet with performance of Chhay Yam dance.

H.E. Hor Sarun, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, said that Cambodia is ready to receive tourists from China and from around the world without any preventive measures or tests for COVID-19.

"After Sihanoukville, we will continue to welcome Chinese tourists at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports," he said.

Cambodia aims to attract 4.3 million international tourists in 2023, up from 2.3 million in 2022.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting the economy in Cambodia.

In the pre-pandemic era, the Kingdom registered some 6.6 million foreign tourists in 2019, generating US$4.92 billion in revenue.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press