In a remarkable surge, Cambodia has experienced a substantial influx of Chinese tourists to its renowned Angkor Archaeological Park in the i...
In a remarkable surge, Cambodia has experienced a substantial influx of Chinese tourists to its renowned Angkor Archaeological Park in the initial months of 2024. According to the latest report by Angkor Enterprise, a state-owned entity, the numbers paint a vivid picture of this burgeoning trend.
The report reveals a staggering increase, with 16,074 Chinese tourists visiting Angkor during the first two months of this year, marking a significant 140 percent rise from the same period in the previous year. This influx positions China as the fifth largest source of international visitors to the Angkor complex, following South Korea, the United States, France, and Britain.
The Angkor Archaeological Park witnessed a remarkable surge in overall tourist arrivals, welcoming a total of 235,850 foreigners from 169 countries and regions during the reporting period. This represents a noteworthy 50 percent increase compared to the same timeframe in the preceding year. The surge in tourism bodes well for Cambodia's economic prospects and underscores the global appeal of its cultural heritage sites.
The surge in Chinese tourist arrivals aligns with Cambodia's efforts to bolster bilateral ties through initiatives such as the 2024 Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year. Officials are optimistic about the potential of this diplomatic endeavor to foster greater cultural exchange and enhance tourism between the two nations.
"I’m strongly confident that the 2024 Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year will become a new driving force to attract more Chinese tourists and investors to Cambodia," remarked Cambodian Tourism Minister Sok Soken during the launch event held at the Terrace of the Elephants within the Angkor complex.
Top Sopheak, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism expressed eagerness for increased Chinese tourist arrivals, particularly to the Angkor complex. He emphasized the significant contributions of Chinese visitors to Cambodia's tourism sector, economic growth, and poverty alleviation efforts.
With the recent inauguration of the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in November 2023, officials anticipate a further boost in international tourist arrivals, particularly from China. The strategic location of this airport in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province positions it as a gateway to the historic Angkor complex.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, spanning 401 square kilometers, holds immense cultural and historical significance. Inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1992, it is home to 91 ancient temples dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries. The surge in tourist arrivals underscores the enduring appeal of this iconic site and the importance of preserving Cambodia's rich cultural heritage for future generations.
As Cambodia continues to position itself as a premier tourist destination in the region, the influx of Chinese tourists to the Angkor Archaeological Park serves as a testament to the enduring allure of its ancient wonders and the success of diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
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