Cambodia and the Philippines are exploring the possibility of establishing direct flight connections to bolster tourism between potential destinations in both countries. This move comes as the sector in each nation struggles in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea met with Philippine ambassador Maria Amelita C. Aquino on October 5 to discuss economic diplomacy. They pledged to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, defence and fostering people-to-people ties.

Both parties emphasised the urgency of organising the fourth Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines at the earliest suitable opportunity.

Sophea expressed gratitude towards the Philippines for their continued import of milled rice from the country.

Last May, the Kingdom hosted a tourism promotion event in Manila, as part of the “Visit Cambodia 2023” initiative. The campaign highlighted the country as a warm, safe, clean and green tourist destination.

The event sought to enhance Cambodia’s tourism potential, fortify relations between the two countries’ private sectors and boost the sale of Cambodian tour packages in the Philippine market. It also promoted the Visa On Arrival scheme for foreign travellers entering the country via various modes of transport.

The initiative was well-received by Philippine travel agencies and subsequently, Philippine Airlines agreed to promote direct flights to Cambodia in the near future.

The Ministry of Tourism and the private sector are currently deliberating over the challenges faced by the tourism industry, seeking innovative solutions to attract international visitors to the country.