Claims of Trip.com Deal Suspension Strongly Rejected by Cambodia’s Tourism Sector
Reports circulating in several Thai media outlets alleging that Chinese online travel giant Trip.com has suspended its cooperation with Cambodia have been firmly rejected by Cambodian tourism professionals, who describe the claims as unfounded and misleading. Industry insiders emphasize that there has been no official confirmation from Trip.com or any credible international source to support the narrative. The reports suggest that the alleged suspension stemmed from concerns among Chinese and Thai users regarding potential misuse or leakage of personal data. However, Cambodian experts argue that the absence of verifiable evidence and official communication points clearly to misinformation rather than fact.
Strategic Partnerships with Chinese Travel Platforms Remain Intact
The Cambodia Tourism Authority has recently entered into cooperation agreements with several leading Chinese online travel agencies, including Trip.com, as part of a long term strategy to strengthen tourism ties with China. These partnerships have contributed to a visible increase in Chinese tourism engagement, including visits by Chinese social media influencers, travel bloggers, and tourism professionals who have been actively exploring and promoting Cambodia’s key destinations. Industry observers note that these initiatives have played a crucial role in restoring confidence in Cambodia as a preferred destination in the Chinese market.
Experts Question Motives Behind the Reports
Tourism insiders have raised concerns about the timing and intent of the reports, suggesting they may be driven by ulterior motives aimed at undermining Cambodia’s tourism recovery. According to industry observers, the spread of such claims appears designed to discourage Chinese travelers from choosing Cambodia at a time when arrivals from China are steadily increasing. This narrative, they argue, reflects an attempt to disrupt momentum rather than an accurate account of industry developments.
CATA President Condemns What She Calls Deliberate Propaganda
Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, strongly criticized the circulation of what she described as malicious rumors targeting Cambodia’s partnership with Trip.com Group.
“Let me be clear: there has been no official communication or legitimate news from Trip.com Group headquarters, nor from any reputable global news source, confirming a cancellation of our memorandum of understanding,” she said. Sivlin further stated, “We recognise this for exactly what it is – a dirty tactic and a piece of deliberate propaganda being fueled by regional actors amidst the current border chaos.” She warned that misinformation is often weaponized during periods of tension to destabilize economies and weaken public confidence, adding, “This narrative is a calculated political move intended to make Cambodia appear isolated and to force our people to lose trust in our international allies.”
Emphasizing the positive intent behind the agreement, she said the partnership was created to promote Cambodia globally and should not be undermined by what she termed “competitive desperation.” “These rumours are being spread to create division and fear where there is only cooperation and growth,” Sivlin said. She concluded with a message of unity, stating, “Cambodia stands strong and united. Our alliances remain intact, and we continue to move forward with our partners to welcome the world to our Kingdom.”
Tourism Consultant Challenges the Credibility of the Allegations
Tourism consultant Vivian Goh also questioned the legitimacy of the claims, pointing out that international standards governing memoranda of understanding require formal notification to both parties in the event of suspension or termination.
“An MoU or cooperation agreement cannot simply be suspended without notifying the other party,” Goh explained. She added, “The reports lack credibility. Some Thai outlets are using screenshots from Trip.com’s Thailand Facebook page, but there has been no official statement from Trip.com itself, which is the world’s second-largest online travel company. From a professional standpoint, it appears to be false news.”
Chinese Tourism Continues to Drive Cambodia’s Recovery
Despite the circulation of rumors, Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to show strong momentum, particularly from the Chinese market. Data from the Ministry of Tourism indicates that approximately one million Chinese tourists visited Cambodia between January and October 2025. Tourism Minister Huot Hak has noted that before the COVID 19 pandemic, Cambodia welcomed as many as 2.3 million Chinese visitors in 2019, representing nearly one third of total international arrivals.
“Cambodia is fully prepared and ready to welcome the return of Chinese tourists and investors,” the minister said. “The growth of Chinese tourists is a great opportunity not only to boost the tourism industry but also to create investment opportunities across other sectors.”
Conclusion
Cambodian tourism authorities and industry leaders remain united in dismissing claims that Trip.com has suspended its cooperation with Cambodia, emphasizing that no official confirmation supports such reports. As partnerships with Chinese travel platforms continue and visitor numbers steadily rise, officials stress the importance of vigilance against misinformation. Cambodia, they reaffirm, remains committed to transparency, international cooperation, and sustainable tourism growth as it strengthens its position in the regional and global travel market.