Cambodia and China’s Sanya City Move to Deepen Tourism Cooperation and Expand Direct Travel Links

HAINAN, May 24, 2026 (AFP) — Cambodia and China’s Sanya city are moving to strengthen tourism cooperation and improve connectivity through potential direct flights and a new partnership agreement aimed at attracting more Chinese visitors to the Kingdom, officials said Saturday.

During a working visit to Sanya, Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak led a high-level delegation of ministry officials and private sector representatives for talks with Sanya Governor Chen Xi and senior city leaders. The discussions centered on expanding practical cooperation and building stronger tourism ties between the two destinations.

Both sides explored the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance joint tourism promotion, business collaboration, and private sector partnerships. Officials also examined plans to establish direct and regular flight connections between Sanya and Cambodia’s major tourism hubs — Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville — to improve travel convenience and boost people-to-people exchanges.

Cambodian officials highlighted the Kingdom’s tourism potential, particularly the cultural and historical attractions of Siem Reap, home to the Angkor temples. The Chinese delegation emphasized Sanya’s reputation as the “Hawaii of the East,” celebrated for its beaches, tropical climate, and modern tourism infrastructure.

Minister Hak urged Chinese partners to help promote Cambodia’s visa-free policy for Chinese tourists and support initiatives such as tourism business forums, familiarization trips, and collaborations with Chinese media, influencers, airlines, hotels, and tour operators.

The talks form part of Cambodia’s broader strategy to attract more Chinese visitors during the country’s green season campaign and to deepen tourism cooperation with key Chinese destinations.