Cambodia Angkor Air announces new route with India
Cambodia Angkor Air has inaugurated a groundbreaking route between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in air travel between the two nations. In response to escalating passenger demands and aiming to bolster tourism, trade, and investment ties, the airline had announced plans for direct flights linking the capitals.
Commencing on June 16, Cambodia Angkor Air operated four flights per week, aligning with the Cambodia-India Tourism Year in 2024. The airline had expressed pride in this endeavor, underscoring its commitment to facilitating seamless travel experiences for passengers while fostering connections between Cambodia and India.
Describing the Phnom Penh-New Delhi route as an extension of its service ethos, the airline emphasized the convenience it would offer to travelers seeking to explore the historical wonders of both countries. The allure of numerous temples, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural landscapes was expected to draw an influx of tourists and business travelers, thereby invigorating the tourism and economic sectors of both nations.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, had hailed the move as a boon for tourism and trade relations between Cambodia and India. However, he had underscored the importance of competitive pricing for the success of this venture.
A new avenue for tourism in Cambodia
Sinan had elaborated on the diverse preferences of Indian tourists, highlighting their penchant for cultural and historical exploration, shopping excursions, nightlife experiences, and religious pilgrimages. He had noted popular destinations such as Phnom Penh and the ancient temples of Siem Reap and Battambang provinces, which held significant appeal for Indian visitors.
In 2023, Cambodia had witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming 5.45 million foreign tourists, including 68,836 from India. Despite being ranked 14th among tourist source countries, the Indian market had exhibited notable growth, reflecting its increasing significance in Cambodia’s tourism landscape.
Trade between Cambodia and India had also experienced a positive trajectory, totaling $485.7 million in 2023, with notable increases in both exports and imports. Despite challenges, India had stood as the Kingdom’s 17th-largest trading partner, underscoring the potential for further economic collaboration between the two nations.
Looking back to 2019, Cambodia’s tourism sector had achieved record-breaking numbers, with 6.61 million international arrivals, including a notable uptick in Indian tourists. These figures had underscored the enduring appeal of Cambodia as a destination and the growing interest among Indian travelers in exploring its cultural riches.
In summary, the introduction of direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi represented a significant stride in strengthening ties between Cambodia and India, promising to unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
