Cambodia and China signed a memorandum on Dec. 29, Monday, aimed at attracting more Chinese tourists to Cambodia.
Wang Weimin, Chairman of the state-owned China International Travel Service Corp (CITS), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism strategic cooperation with Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon. The deal was inked under the presence of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Sok An.
"This MoU will be an efficient method to boost better cooperation between Cambodia-China to be closer and to better link the two nations in tourism, economic, social and culture," Thong Kon said, adding that the two countries are planning to invest in duty-free shops at key tourism destinations in Cambodia.
According to the minister, there are currently 66 Chinese tour operators and 41 Cambodian tour companies that are providing tour services between the two countries, and that eight Chinese airlines have direct flights between the two nations.
The memorandum also enables Cambodia's Tourism Ministry and CITS to strengthen cooperation in tourism between Cambodia and China, according to Sok An.
"The MoU is particularly focused on promoting Cambodian tourism industry to Chinese markets and facilitating CITS in establishing its branch in Cambodia. The cooperation will help attract more Chinese tourists and foreign tourists visiting China to come to Cambodia," he said after the ceremony.
Wang Weimin said that the MoU reflects the confidence the Cambodian government has in CITS's experience and expertise in tourism.
"As part of the MoU, a CITS's duty-free shop will be inaugurated in the cultural city of Siem Reap province on Tuesday," he added, noting that CITS is set to handle direct flights between China and Cambodia in the near future.