Phnom penh: H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, spearheaded discussions with H.E. Liu Xiaoming, Governor of Hainan Province, on May 21 in Haikou City, aiming to boost tourism ties between the two regions. The meeting featured high-level Cambodian delegates and private sector representatives engaging with their counterparts in Hainan Province, China.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Governor of Hainan Province warmly welcomed the Cambodian delegation, expressing keen interest in Cambodia's stable political environment and socioeconomic development. He highlighted Cambodia's cultural, historical, and natural attractions, such as Angkor Wat Temple and its coastal areas, which continue to draw Chinese tourists.
During the discussions, Governor Liu Xiaoming provided insights into Hainan Province's economic landscape, emphasizing its tourism appeal and the unique features of the Hainan Free Trade Port. He underscored the province's ambition to become a key connectivity hub linking Chinese provinces with Cambodia and other regional countries.
The talks resulted in an agreement to explore a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism and the People's Government of Hainan Province. This MoU aims to foster practical and mutually beneficial collaboration in tourism.
Both parties also deliberated on enhancing direct flight connections between Hainan Province and Cambodia's major destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk provinces. This initiative seeks to facilitate travel and enhance people-to-people exchanges.
To further strengthen ties, the Cambodian side urged cooperation between its private sector and businesses in Hainan Province to develop new tour packages. H.E. Huot Hak called on Hainan to promote Cambodia's tourism potential to Chinese citizens via media networks and digital platforms.
The Minister also proposed organizing Familiarisation Trips (FAM Trips) for Hainan-based tourism companies, journalists, content creators, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to experience Cambodia and promote it to Chinese audiences.
Hainan Province is recognized as one of China's prominent international tourism destinations, excelling in coastal, cultural, and leisure tourism. Recent years have seen Cambodia and Hainan Province reinforcing their partnership through joint promotional efforts, improved flight connectivity, and mutual visits.