Tourism minister Huot Hak (in yellow) meets with Bodo Pfaff-Greiffenhagen of German marketing company Marketpilots, on March 6 in Berlin, Germany. Tourism ministry
Cambodia and Germany have discussed the establishment of direct flight connections, with the plan being to launch operations once the Techo International Airport opens later this year. In 2024, about 75,000 German nationals travelled to the Kingdom.
Earlier this week, Minister of Tourism Huot Hak led a high-level delegation from the tourism ministry to the 2025 International Tourismus Borse (ITB Berlin) exhibition, which took place from March 4-6 in Berlin, Germany.
During a March 6 meeting in Berlin, Hak discussed the establishment of direct flights with Bodo Pfaff-Greiffenhagen, a representative of German marketing company Marketpilots.
Both sides agreed that establishing direct flights would stimulate tourism growth from European markets and further enhance Cambodia's reputation as a warm and welcoming world-class tourism destination, both regionally and globally.
According to the tourism ministry, Cambodia welcomed a total of 6.7 million foreign tourists in 2024, a 22.9% increase compared to 5.45 million in 2023.
Among them, 74,861 were German nationals, representing an 18.8% increase, with 69,522 of them tourists, while the rest were business travellers.
Khiev Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tour Guide Association (KATGA), told The Post that the number of foreign tourists visiting the ancient temples in Siem Reap province has increased significantly since late 2024.
He attributed this growth to several factors, including the global economic recovery and the Cambodian government and private sector's efforts to promote and develop infrastructure such as roads, airports and ports.
He also highlighted that the growth of direct flights from abroad has been crucial in bringing more visitors to Cambodia.
“It would be great if there were more international flights coming to Cambodia. It would be even more special if major international airlines could land directly at Siem Reap International Airport, which is located near the world-famous Angkor temples,” he added.
Thea urged tourism operators and all stakeholders to work harder to improve services to attract more tourists to Cambodia and encourage them to promote the country to their family and friends.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Tourism Association, explained that strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding transportation links is a key factor in increasing the flow of tourists between countries.
If Cambodia and Germany can establish direct flights, it would be a positive development, as it would bring more tourists and investors from Europe to Cambodia.
“The tourism sector generates significant income for the Cambodian people and the national economy, so it is crucial that everyone works together to maximise the benefits from this sector,” she said.
This week, the Cambodian aviation sector received two positive developments: Turkish Airlines will introduce a direct route from Istanbul to Phnom Penh starting December 10, while Emirates will add flights from Dubai to Siem Reap in mid-2025. Currently, there are flights between Dubai and Phnom Penh International Airport.
