Cambodia-China tourism group says Chinese arrivals will rebound despite recent flight cuts

The Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Bridge Development Association is arguing that Chinese arrivals to Cambodia can keep rising this year even as airlines trim some regional capacity. The group’s confidence, reported by the Phnom Penh Post on May 20, comes as Cambodia’s tourism industry leans on Chinese demand, a new visa-waiver pilot and a fresh run of trade events to support bookings. The timing matters because carriers have recently reduced some China-to-Southeast Asia schedules, including to Cambodia, according to aviation schedule data. Cambodian officials and industry representatives have nonetheless continued to describe China as the country’s biggest near-term growth market for tourism and investment. ### What did the tourism group actually say? The Phnom Penh Post reported that the association told Cambodia’s tourism ministry it was prepared to promote the country’s tourism and investment potential to its members. The report said Yong Li Chai, identified as a representative of the Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Bridge Development Association, met Tourism Minister Huot Hak on May 7 and presented new initiatives related to Cambodia-China tourism products. (phnompenhpost.com) Yong Li Chai said the association would work with the ministry to attract more major investors from China to Cambodia, according to the Post. Huot Hak asked the Chinese side to expand promotional activity for tourists and investors, with particular attention to the coming visa-exemption trial for Chinese passport holders. (phnompenhpost.com) ### How important is the Chinese market to Cambodia right now? Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism said the country received about 5.57 million international visitors in 2025, including more than 1.2 million Chinese tourists, up nearly 42% from the previous year, according to Phnom Penh Post reporting. In the first four months of 2026, Cambodia welcomed more than 240,000 Chinese visitors, making China the top source market in that period, the same report said. (phnompenhpost.com) Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, told the Post that China remains a major potential market. Huot Hak has also linked Cambodia’s tourism outlook to rising numbers of Chinese tourists and investors in separate remarks this month tied to Cambodia-China promotional events. (phnompenhpost.com) ### What are the recent flight cuts the rebound case has to overcome? AeroRoutes said Chinese carriers cut one-way flights to Southeast Asia by about 14.2% for May and June 2026 compared with earlier schedule filings, with service to Cambodia reduced by 35%. The aviation data was based on OAG schedule comparisons between March 22 and May 17, according to the report. (phnompenhpost.com) Asiana Airlines separately cut 14 round-trip flights on four China and Cambodia routes in April and May, Seoul Economic Daily reported on March 31. Channel News Asia also reported last month that Chinese travelers bound for Southeast Asia were dealing with cancellations tied to a fuel crisis linked to the Iran war. (aeroroutes.com) ### What is Cambodia doing to keep demand from China moving? Cambodia will run a pilot visa-waiver program for holders of People’s Republic of China passports from June 15 to October 15, according to Phnom Penh Post reporting. The Post said travelers in the trial will be able to stay up to 14 days without applying for a visa or paying fees, while completing an arrival card. (en.sedaily.com) The Ministry of Tourism and other partners also launched the Mekong-Lancang Caravan Tour on May 18 as one of 12 activities under Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2026. The 23-day route began in Phnom Penh and is scheduled to return on June 9 after traveling through Laos to China’s Yunnan province. ### Which events are next in the push for arrivals? PATA Cambodia said its CTM MINI-SERIES 2026 will run from May 23 to May 29 across Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk. (phnompenhpost.com) The organizers said the program will connect more than 300 international buyers with about 1,800 Cambodian tourism businesses and support the government’s visa-free policy push for Chinese tourists from mid-June to mid-October. (akp.gov.kh) June 15 is the next policy date to watch. That is when Cambodia’s visa-waiver pilot for Chinese passport holders is due to begin, while the Mekong-Lancang Caravan Tour is scheduled to return to Phnom Penh on June 9. (phnompenhpost.com) (en.kampucheathmey.com)