STORY: Cambodia eager to see more Chinese tourists
SHOOTING TIME: April 14, 2024
DATELINE: April 16, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:34
LOCATION: Phnom Penh
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Preah Sihanouk province
2. various of tourists
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): TANG SOCHETKRESNA, Director of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Khmer): PHANG VEYHONG, Driver
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Khmer): KONG SENGKIM, Driver
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Khmer): UY MEYTA, Local tourist to Preah Sihanouk province
7. SOUNDBITE 5 (Khmer): SEONG CHANTHA, Seller of grilled squid

STORYLINE:

A Cambodian senior tourism official said the Southeast Asian nation is keen to see more international tourists, especially those from China, hoping their presence can revitalize the post-pandemic tourism industry.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): TANG SOCHETKRESNA, Director of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism
"I'd like to appeal to the government of China as well as countries in Europe and ASEAN to encourage airline companies to resume direct flights to Cambodia and investors to return to the kingdom, especially to Preah Sihanouk province."

According to the official, the 187-km Chinese-operated Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway helps bring more tourists to his province.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Khmer): PHANG VEYHONG, Driver
"Compared to ordinary roads, traveling on the expressway is timesaving and safe, and the spending on fuel is also less than before. Overall, it saves us a lot of money."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Khmer): KONG SENGKIM, Driver
"This expressway is broad, comfortable for driving, and very safe. Traveling on it is fast."

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy.

Cambodian Prime Minister said last month that the country recorded 5.45 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, generating a gross revenue of 3.08 billion U.S. dollars.

SOUNDBITE 4 (Khmer): UY MEYTA, Local tourist to Preah Sihanouk province
"We want to see more tourists, and I want to tell them that Cambodia has beautiful bays."

SOUNDBITE 5 (Khmer): SEONG CHANTHA, Seller of grilled squid
"We are keen to see more tourists because they will bring us more income. More tourists will lead to better sales."

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