STORY: Foreign countries eager to welcome more Chinese tourists
SHOOTING TIME: Earlier footage
DATELINE: Jan. 8, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:04
LOCATION: Cairo/Bangkok/Phnom Penh
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Chinese tourists
2. various of tourist attractions
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): LEAT MANIN, Employee at a souvenir shop in Siem Reap provincial town
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AHMED ISSA, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities

STORYLINE:

Many countries around the world are expecting the visits of more Chinese tourists to boost local tourism and economy.

Thai government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said on Friday that Thailand is targeting 8 million tourists from China this year, as the country will waive visa requirements for Chinese citizens starting March 1.

After the opening of the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in last November, locals are expecting to welcome more Chinese tourists in the future.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): LEAT MANIN, Employee at a souvenir shop in Siem Reap provincial town
"For Chinese tourists, I think, they have contributed to the development of the tourism sector in Siem Reap province because they have bought souvenirs while visiting different temples.
I would like to appeal to Chinese investors and tourists to come and visit Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap province, which is home to the Angkor Wat temple."

Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa has said that Egypt seeks to attract 3 million Chinese tourists annually by 2028.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AHMED ISSA, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
"The way to attract 3 million Chinese tourists each year by 2028 means 60,000 tourists a week. We welcome Chinese hotel owners and investors to invest in Egyptian hotels."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo/Bangkok/Phnom Penh.
(XHTV)