AKP Phnom Penh, May 22, 2026 -- H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, led a high-level delegation and private sector representatives in talks with H.E. Liu Xiaoming, Governor of Hainan Province, China, on May 21 in Haikou City, Hainan Province.

During the meeting, H.E. Liu Xiaoming warmly welcomed the Cambodian delegation and expressed strong interest in Cambodia’s peace, political stability, socioeconomic development, and vast tourism potential.

He particularly highlighted Cambodia’s renowned cultural, historical, and natural attractions, including Angkor Wat Temple and the coastal areas, which continue to attract a growing number of Chinese tourists.

The Governor also outlined the economic landscape of Hainan Province, noting its strong tourism appeal and the unique characteristics of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the only free trade port in China.

He emphasised Hainan’s ambition to become a major connectivity hub linking Chinese provinces with Cambodia and other countries in the region.

Both sides agreed to explore the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and the People’s Government of Hainan Province to promote more practical, in-depth, and mutually beneficial collaboration.

The two sides also discussed promoting direct flight connections between Hainan Province and Cambodia’s key destinations, namely Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk provinces, to facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

In addition, they agreed to encourage cooperation between the Cambodian private sector and businesses in Hainan Province to jointly develop new tour packages.

H.E. Huot Hak requested the Hainan side to help promote Cambodia’s tourism potential to Chinese citizens, particularly residents of Hainan Province, through media networks, digital platforms, and tourism enterprises.

Furthermore, the Minister proposed organising Familiarisation Trips (FAM Trips) for Hainan-based tourism companies, journalists, content creators, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to experience Cambodia firsthand and promote it to Chinese audiences.

Hainan Province is one of China’s leading international tourism destinations, with strong advantages in coastal, cultural, and leisure tourism.

In recent years, Cambodia and Hainan Province have steadily strengthened their partnership through joint promotional campaigns, improved flight connectivity, and mutual exchange visits.

By Phal Sophanith