PHNOM PENH: The tourism industry in Cambodia is optimistic that it will reap significant benefits from an increase in direct flights between major Indian cities and the kingdom. IndiGo, India's largest airline, is scheduled to launch direct flights from two major Indian cities to two key Cambodian destinations in early 2025.
Former Cambodian ambassador to India, Kuy Kuong, who recently completed his term, took to social media on Tuesday (Oct 8) to share the news.
“Direct flights between Cambodia and India (Phnom Penh to New Delhi) were launched by Cambodia Angkor Air in June 2024. IndiGo Airlines plans to start direct flights (New Delhi to Phnom Penh) and (Kolkata to Siem Reap), in February 2025,” he said.
Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in Cambodia, told The Post on Oct 8 he believed the increased direct flights will be very beneficial. He explained that more flights would further boost trade and especially tourism between the two countries.
He noted that New Delhi and Kolkata are large, populous cities, so Cambodia should work actively and effectively to maximise these opportunities. Currently, India supplies the second largest number of international tourists, globally, behind China.
“We must intensify our efforts to promote Cambodia as a potential tourism destination more broadly and effectively, especially as some countries are attempting to spread negative information about Cambodia to gain benefits from the tourism sector,” said Sinan.
He added that Indian tourists are not solely focused on religious tourism; they are also interested in leisure activities, shopping, food and especially nightlife.
Khiev Thy, president of the Angkor Tourist Guide Association, also suggested that the additional direct flights would increase the number of tourists and investors travelling between the two countries.
He mentioned that it would also be a source of pride for Indian nationals to visit Cambodia's ancient temples, which are linked to Hinduism, Brahmanism and Buddhism.
“Currently, Cambodia has many accommodation options and dining establishments that meet the needs of Indian tourists in key tourist destinations across the capital and provinces,” he noted.
According to Thy, Cambodia Angkor Air currently operates approximately four direct flights per week between New Delhi and Phnom Penh.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that between January and July 2024, Cambodia received a total of 3,742,230 foreign visitors, an increase of 23.2% compared to the same period in 2023.
Of these, 50,022 were Indian guests, marking a 15.2% increase compared to the previous year. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
