HAIKOU, China โ The โCambodia-Haikou Cultural and Tourism Exchange Day 2026โ was held on May 22 in Haikou City, Hainan Province, under the framework of the Cambodia-China Tourism Year, with Cambodiaโs Minister of Tourism, H.E. Huot Hak, presiding over the event and delivering opening remarks.
The gathering brought together officials, tourism executives, and more than 200 local residents to celebrate and deepen the cultural and economic bonds between the two nations.
Quick Facts: Cambodia-Haikou Cultural Exchange Day 2026
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | May 22, 2026 |
| Location | Haikou City, Hainan Province, China |
| Presided by | H.E. Huot Hak, Cambodiaโs Minister of Tourism |
| Key attendees | Vice Mayor of Haikou, Cambodian Consul General, tourism executives |
| Key announcements | Pilot visa waiver for Chinese citizens (June 15 โ Oct 15, 2026); โVisit Cambodia in the Green Seasonโ campaign |
| Cultural highlights | Traditional dances, Lion Dance, Khmer Krama presentation |
High-Level Participation
The event was attended by:
- Ms. Tong Guichang, Vice Mayor of Haikou City
- Mr. Iv Sokhom, Consul General of Cambodia in Hainan Province
- Representatives from the Hainan Provincial Foreign Affairs Office
- Tourism company executives
- Over 200 members of the public in Haikou City
Visa Incentives and Green Season Campaign
In his address, H.E. Huot Hak highlighted two key initiatives designed to boost Chinese tourist arrivals to Cambodia:
- Pilot visa exemption for Chinese citizensย โ effective fromย June 15 to October 15, 2026, allowing stays of up to 14 days.
- โVisit Cambodia in the Green Seasonโ campaignย โ offering special promotions on accommodation, dining, and tourism services during Cambodiaโs rainy season.
โThese measures reflect Cambodiaโs commitment to welcoming our Chinese friends with open arms and making travel more convenient and affordable,โ the Minister stated.
Cultural Performances Showcase Shared Heritage
The event featured a vibrant lineโup of cultural and artistic performances by Cambodian and Chinese artists, including:
- โRomduol Bopha Cheatโย โ a traditional Cambodian dance
- โHainan Coconut Shell Danceโย โ a folk dance representing Hainanโs coastal culture
- โCharm of the Green Seasonโย โ a performance highlighting Cambodiaโs tourism appeal
- Lion Danceย โ a traditional Chinese performance symbolising good fortune
- โThe Benefits of the Khmer Kramaโย โ a presentation on Cambodiaโs iconic traditional scarf
The performances not only showcased the rich cultural identities of both countries but also served to strengthen mutual understanding and the longโstanding friendship between Cambodia and China.
Strategic Importance
The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2026 has been a flagship initiative to boost peopleโtoโpeople exchanges and revive tourism following global disruptions. Hainan Province, a key tourist destination for both domestic and international travellers, serves as an ideal gateway for promoting Cambodia to Chinese visitors.
The Haikou event follows similar cultural and tourism promotion activities in other Chinese cities, including Kunming and Nanning, as part of Cambodiaโs broader strategy to attract more Chinese tourists under the pilot visa waiver scheme.
Analystโs View
Mr. Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said that events like the Haikou exchange are critical for building brand awareness.
โChinese tourists are sophisticated. They want authentic experiences. By bringing Cambodian culture directly to Haikou โ with dances, krama presentations, and direct engagement โ we are creating emotional connections that translate into future bookings,โ she said.
Outlook
With the visa waiver set to take effect in less than three weeks, Cambodiaโs Ministry of Tourism is ramping up promotional efforts across China. The โGreen Seasonโ campaign will run from June to October, coinciding with the visa pilot period, to encourage Chinese travellers to explore Cambodiaโs beaches, heritage sites, and natural landscapes during the traditionally quieter months.