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.
Source: The Star
