PHNOM PENH: The Phnom Penh International Airport has welcomed the inaugural flight from Shenzen, China by Hainan Airlines, according to Cambodian Airports.

The Skytrax 5-star airline will operate from Feb. 22 two weekly flights – on Wednesdays and Sundays – between the two destinations, the source pointed out.

This new direct flight between Phnom Penh capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Shenzen city of the People’s Republic of China will boost the connectivity between the two countries. Chinese tourists have returned to Cambodia after the Chinese government lifted its travel restrictions on Jan. 8, 2023.

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

In January alone, Cambodia received about 400,000 international tourists, of which 25,000 were Chinese, up 901 percent compared with the same period in 2022.

Cambodia and China have agreed on how to welcome back 1 million Chinese tourists in 2023, although the giant economy only announced the country’s reopening late last year.

H.E. Thong Khon, Cambodian Minister of Tourism said on Feb. 16, 2023, there will be the first flights from Kunming and Shanghai to Siem Reap cultural province.

H.E. Minister was optimistic that the number of Chinese tourists to Cambodia will gradually increase from March this year. 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 January alone, Cambodia received about 400,000 international tourists, of which 25,000 were Chinese, up 901 percent if compared with the same period in 2022.