AKP Phnom Penh, May 23, 2026 --

H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, on May 22 led a delegation and private sector representatives in a high-level meeting with H.E. Zhang Yong, Mayor of Haikou City, Hainan Province, China, to discuss expanding practical tourism cooperation between Cambodia and Haikou City.

During the meeting in Haikou, H.E. Zhang Yong warmly welcomed the Cambodian delegation and expressed strong interest in Cambodia’s peace, political stability, socio-economic development, and tourism potential, particularly the cultural and historical attractions in Siem Reap province that are highly popular among Chinese tourists.

The Mayor also highlighted Haikou City’s economic development, tourism potential, and the unique features of the Hainan Free Trade Port, one of China’s major free trade ports.

He further emphasised Haikou’s ambition to become a key hub connecting Hainan Province with Cambodia and other ASEAN countries.

Both sides agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation through joint promotional activities, increased two-way tourist flows, and enhanced partnerships between the private sectors of both sides.

The two parties also discussed promoting direct flight connections between Haikou City and Cambodia’s main tourism destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk provinces, to facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

H.E. Huot Hak requested the Haikou authorities to help promote Cambodia’s tourism potential and visa exemption policy for Chinese tourists through media networks, tourism forums, and tourism business communities to attract more Chinese visitors to Cambodia.

The Minister also proposed exploring the possibility of signing Memoranda of Understanding between the tourism authorities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk and the Haikou Tourism Bureau, as well as organising tourism business forums and Familiarisation Trips for tourism operators, journalists, content creators, and Key Opinion Leaders from Haikou to Cambodia.

The Royal Government has introduced a visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens, allowing 14-day visa-free entry during a four-month trial period from June 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, coinciding with the Green Season, in order to attract greater numbers of Chinese tourists—one of Cambodia’s largest tourism markets—to visit the Kingdom.

By Chea Vannak