Preah Sihanouk: Ruili Airlines has resumed its weekly direct flights between Wuxi city of China’s Jiangsu province, and Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk province, after several years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 126 Chinese tourists arrived at Preah Sihanouk International Airport on May 18 aboard flight DR5031, where they were warmly welcomed by provincial authorities and accompanied by a traditional Chhay Yam dance.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this return of tourism reflects the potential of the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, while highlighting the good relations between Cambodia and China. It is also part of the Year of Tourism between the two countries. In 2024, Cambodia welcomed 848,952 Chinese visitors, a 55 percent increase over the previous year. China has become the third largest source of foreign tourists for the Kingdom, after Thailand and Vietnam.
A significant influx of Chinese tourists is expected in 2025, thanks to the close ties between the two nations and Cambodia’s tourist appeal.