Siem Reap Angkor International Airport boosts tourism

Zhong Shifan, a tourist from China’s Yunnan Province, completed his journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia recently and returned to Kunming city via the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. "I know that Yunnan enterprises have engaged in the investment and construction of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. The facilities of the airport are very modern, customs clearance and check-in are smooth, and there are signs in Chinese in many parts of the airport, which is very convenient," Mr. Zhong said.

Passengers enter Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. (Liu Ziyu/Yunnan Daily)

The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative now serve as an upgraded gateway to the country’s major tourist attraction, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. According to the statistics of Yunnan Investment Group, the airport has achieved a passenger throughput of 762.2 thousand by the end of March this year, connecting 15 cities in 8 countries.

A plane parks at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. (Liu Ziyu/Yunnan Daily)

"Compared to the old airport in Siem Reap, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport has been significantly upgraded," said Mono Keosochesda, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Information, Cambodia. He added that the airport is larger and can offer more flights, allowing tourists coming to Siem Reap with greater ease. “This will undoubtedly boost tourism as well as economic development,” said Mr. Keosochesda.

The architectural style of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport integrates modern elements with traditional Cambodian culture.(Liu Ziyu/Yunnan Daily)

A sign at the entrance of the airport (Liu Ziyu/Yunnan Daily)

Reporting by Liu Ziyu (Yunnan Daily)