Retail News CRM

Category: General

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest General Retail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Microsoft does something Unexpected

    Microsoft does something Unexpected

    You didn’t have to be a techie, a fan boy or wealthy investor to enjoy the two-horse race last year between Apple and Amazon. Both companies were neck and neck in a race to be the first publicly traded U.S. firm to reach a trillion dollar valuation. Last August 2nd, Apple hit the milestone first, followed by Amazon almost exactly one month later. And that’s why it was such a surprise when Microsoft finished 2018 as the most valuable public company in the U.S.

    Even though Microsoft finished on top as last year ended, it was the beneficiary of a sharp market correction that took Apple and Amazon down 32% and 27% from their 2018 highs, respectively. But the software giant had never actually joined Apple and Amazon in the trillion dollar club; that is, until today. A positive earnings report released by the gang in Redmond after the market closed last night has propelled the stock sharply higher. This morning, Microsoft’s shares reached a high of $131.37 and at that point, the company was worth $1.007 trillion dollars.

    Microsoft investors have taken some profits, allowing the stock to drift back to $129.64 as we write this. That takes the company under the $1 trillion mark but doesn’t remove the accomplishment from the history books. Meanwhile, Apple and Amazon’s shares have recovered enough from last winter’s drubbing to make another run at a $1 trillion valuation. Apple, which reports earnings next week, is currently worth close to $975 billion. Amazon reports earnings later today and is currently worth $944 billion.

    While some might say that Microsoft has failed miserably in the mobile industry with Windows Mobile and Windows Phone, others might point out the success it has had with the Surface Pro high-end tablets. And more importantly for Microsoft, it owns a slew of Android-related patents that bring in a huge sum of money every year.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • C-star Shanghai sets records for Exhibitors

    C-star Shanghai sets records for Exhibitors

    C-star – the China spin-off of the world’s largest retail show, the triennial EuroShop in Germany – is underway in Shanghai this week. This year’s event, the fifth, features a record 138 exhibitors at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, with exhibits including shopfitting and store furnishings, retail technology, store design and visual merchandising, lighting, and catering and refrigeration.

    A parallel retail forum features an international line-up of speakers covering trends, technology and design, among other topics.

    C-star was the first international spinoff of EuroShop and while still a shadow of the German event, which boasted 2400 exhibitors from 60 countries and 113,000 visitors the last time it was held in 2017, the Shanghai event is growing in stature each edition. The number of exhibitors this year is up 30 per cent. After the success of C-star, organiser Messe Dusseldorf has since launched another event focused on technology, EuroCIS, and its latest new venture, In-store Asia in Mumbai, India.

    Elke Moebius, global head of retail & retail technology with Messe Dusseldorf, and director of EuroShop, EuroCIS, C-star and In-store Asia, says the company wants C-star to become “the most influential retail event in China”.

    “Our decision to come to China was absolutely the right one,” she told the opening ceremony yesterday.

    “We have succeeded in distinguishing C-star from other events.”

    Messe Dusseldorf (Shanghai) GM Marius Berlemann says with mobile and ‘smart’ retail solutions developing quickly the internationalisation of the retail industry is following suit.

    “This presents even more opportunities for global investors and corporations to flourish in China’s retail industry, and our goal as the organiser is to build the bridge and bring the world of retail together.”

    A key feature of this year’s C-star event is the ReTailor Hub where creative solutions are shown in a real-life environment. Exhibitors include apparel-store Elf Sack, cosmetics-brand Fox Fairy, food-and-beverage brand Rio (which has a robot on site mixing and serving cocktails) and unmanned store concept 24 Jian. These exhibits are complemented by retail technology and equipment suppliers showcasing instore solutions including customer-flow analytics, interactive smart displays and virtual fitting systems.

    C-star’s Brand Zone offers a premium stage for exhibitors to present their newest and most promising products and solutions to a global audience.

    This year, exhibitors include design house Malherbe Paris, Storymaker, Hideki Azuma, Onewedesign, MPlus and Koscar sharing new store concepts and smart retail solutions.

    C-star 2019 continues today and tomorrow in Shanghai.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Shandong Ruyi seeks $500m

    Shandong Ruyi seeks $500m

    Chinese textile and retail investment company Shandong Ruyi will list an IPO for its recently acquired The Lycra Co in the hopes of raising around US$500 million.

    The group is currently exploring a listing in the US as it works with Goldman Sachs, according to those familiar with the prospective deal.

    Progress has been slow for Shandong Ruyi since regulatory delays held up its $2 billion purchase of Lycra for more than a year, which it finally completed in January. Plans for the IPO are now at early stages and are subject to significant changes before listing, which is scheduled for sometime within the next three years.

    Shandong Ruyi has previously been reported as having ambitions to become “the LVMH of China” and has acquired numerous overseas fashion brands. It is now focusing on consolidating its holdings rather than pursuing new deals.

    Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding is the largest textile and apparel company in China, and ranks among the Top 100 Chinese multinational enterprises. It is headquartered in Jining, Shandong and operates 13 domestic industrial parks.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Tigers is strategic logistics partner for K&N Filters in China

    Tigers is strategic logistics partner for K&N Filters in China

    Tigers is working with K&N Filters, a high-performance automotive air filter and air filtration manufacturer, which is expanding operations in China, the world’s largest automotive market.

    Hong Kong-based Tigers is providing logistical support through its Chinese network of offices and facilities to USA-based K&N Filters as they grow their presence in the region.

    “Working closely with international brands like K&N Filters as a strategic logistics partner is always a pleasure for Tigers as we are specialized in global logistics and supply chain solutions,” said Laura Crow, Managing Director – China, Tigers.

    “China is a very strong market for Tigers and we are working with K&N Filters by fulfilling both its B2B and B2C orders in the region, providing marketing and trading services, as well as offering our specialist local knowledge.”

    As part of K&N Filters expansion plans in China, the manufacturer recently launched the ‘Revolution. Powering the Future’ strategy conference in Chengdu, China, to showcase the brand and product solutions to the Chinese market.

    “K&N Filters is committed to providing Chinese car owners with high-quality product performance and is continuously developing a localized product series that is more suitable for the Chinese market,” said William Wu, General Manager – China, K&N Filters.

    “Working with Tigers is the perfect match for expanding our operations in China due to Tigers’ extensive knowledge of the Chinese market and their modern approach to global logistics.”

    K&N Filters supplies air filters and air filtration systems to championship-winning teams in most forms of motorsports around the world, including NASCAR and Supercross to achieve more horsepower and brake performance limits.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Mario Kart Tour beta registrations open for Android users

    Mario Kart Tour beta registrations open for Android users

    Nintendo plans to bring yet another game to Android and iOS device this summer – Mario Kart Tour. Officially revealed two months ago, the next Mario game for mobile won’t be released until at least June.

    However, Nintendo fans will have a chance to take a peek at what’s to come thanks to the closed beta program the Japanese company has just announced. Assuming you’re living in the United States or Japan, you can now register for the Mario Kart Tour closed beta on the game’s dedicated page.

    Unfortunately, it’s only Android users that are allowed to register for the closed beta, and there’s little chance the iPhone owners will be given the chance to test Mario Kart Tour before the official release.

    Obviously, the number of Android users who may participate in the closed beta is limited. According to Nintendo, if the number of applications exceeds the number of possible participants, the company will randomly select the participants.

    Android users can register for the closed beta between April 23 and May 7, while the beta test is scheduled for May 22-June 4, but these dates can be changed prior notice.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • LCX hosts Pac-Man Escape Out of the Maze

    LCX hosts Pac-Man Escape Out of the Maze

    Curated retail zone LCX has teamed up with Japanese video-game developer Bandai Namco on a creative project to celebrate the 40th birthday of Pac-Man.

    The LCX x Pac-Man Escape From the Maze collaboration is described as a “first-of-its-kind celebration party” taking place at the zone until June 2.

    Participants will be welcome to join Pac-Man escaping from the classic maze in the “Pac-Zone”, but the character will also be seen invading the whack-a-mole and claw machines with special friends. The plush characters will also trespass the bowling alley to throw a “Bowling Party”, alongside other promotional and celebratory stunts.

    Guests with a passion for nail care can have their fingers “bitten” by Pac-Man via special nail prints at the “Pac-Manicure” experience.

    To mark the LCX x Pac-Man Escape From the Maze event, LCX will introduce the first-ever overseas Pac-Store pop-up boutique, selling the Shibuya109 head store’s latest sought-after items.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Meituan Scaling down Ella Supermarket Outlets

    Meituan Scaling down Ella Supermarket Outlets

    Chinese food-delivery website Meituan has closed three of its Ella Supermarkets in Jiangsu, almost halving its network of outlets.

    The business initiative, which sells fresh supermarket produce online for fast home delivery, has just four remaining locations in Beijing and Wuxi.

    The closures were reportedly put down to mismanagement, and stand in stark contrast to the company’s stated plans to open 20 outlets within last year.

    Its shortcomings are reflected by competing brands, however, with rival groups Yonghui Super Stores, 7Fresh and SuFresh also performing under par. Alibaba’s Hema offering is an exception with reportedly strong trading.

  • Veeko buys New Territories retail store

    Veeko buys New Territories retail store

    Veeko International has sealed a deal to buy a retail property in the New Territories, with an eye to converting it into one of its own stores.

    Veeko – which owns its namesake fashion brand along with Wanko, and the Colourmix and Morimor cosmetics-store chains – has paid HK$117.5 million to acquire the ground floor of 88 San Hong Street North in the New Territories. The 833sqft space is currently occupied by Yue Fung Dispensary Co, paying $248,000 a month until its lease expires on December 31, 2020.

    The company says that while the retail space is currently tenanted, “upon the expiry of the existing tenancy agreement, the group shall evaluate the benefit of continuing leasing of the property against the benefit of using the property as the group’s store”.

    Savills has independently valued the space at $120 million.

    The transaction is scheduled to be completed by June 18.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Official Online Nintendo Store Opens Doors in Hong Kong

    Official Online Nintendo Store Opens Doors in Hong Kong

    An official Nintendo Hong Kong online store has opened this week.

    The new storefront eplaces a former Nintendo page that offered download codes which could be redeemed on WhatsMall.

    Now fans of the Japanese game platform can buy software online direct from the manufacturer.

    The Nintendo Hong Kong e-commerce site offers download codes for a range of Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS games along with DLC, reports fansite NintendoSoup.

    The site features multiple languages as well, along with Chinese: American and UK English, Canadian French, French, Latin America Spanish and Spanish.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Asia’s Leading Food & Hospitality Tradeshow HOFEX returns to Hong Kong 7-10 May

    Asia’s Leading Food & Hospitality Tradeshow HOFEX returns to Hong Kong 7-10 May

    HOFEX, Asia’s Leading Food & Hospitality Tradeshow will return to Hong Kong for its biggest year yet 7-10 May at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), where the biennial show will occupy almost every available exhibition space. Expecting more than 2,800 international exhibitors and 42,000+ trade buyers, HOFEX 2019 will cement its position as the region’s largest and most important meeting place for the hospitality industry. Occupying an exhibition space of over 70,000 m2 across 3 levels of HKCEC, trade visitors will be able to sample and source everything for the food and hotel industry. The show’s opening ceremony, which will take place on 7 May 2019 will be attended by The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP Financial Secretary, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. HOFEX is organised by UBM Asia and is co-located with ProWine Asia and Retail Asia Conference & Expo.

    74 exhibiting countries and regions and 48 national and regional groups and pavilions make the 2019 edition of HOFEX the most international year yet. In addition to long-supporting exhibitors including Japan, Australia, UK, USA, Germany, Austria and Spain, this year will welcome newcomers AANA – Agence de l’Alimentation Nouvelle-Aquitaine France, AREI Latvia, Association PorkColumbia, British Columbia, Ministry of Agriculture Czech Republic, Spanish Beef, VLAM Belgium and more. 

    Prolific business opportunities 
    This year’s tradeshow has been strategically organised to optimise buyers’ experiences with the aim of maximising networking potential across the vast space.

    Hall 1 will house Bakery & Confectionery @ HOFEX, where global and local manufacturers can meet with buyers from the ever-growing Asia-Pacific bread, cakes, pastries and confectionery markets; Bean2Cup @ HOFEX, where baristas, café owners, coffee producers and suppliers will find everything from coffee beans to espresso machines; Foodservice Equipment & Catering Supplies, where state-of-the-art international catering equipment will be showcased; and Tableware & Hospitality Supplies, Hospitality Technology and Hospitality Design, where hospitality professionals from restaurants, resorts, hotels, spas and more will find ideas and inspiration to build  a more streamlined business – from manufacturing and production to packaging, design and facilities.

    Food and Drinks is in Hall 3 & 5 where visitors can enjoy local as well as exotic offerings from the many international pavilions, ranging from frozen and chilled seafood to cured and fresh meat, snacks and beverages, baked goods, confectionery, ice cream, canned foods and more; co-located show ProWine Asia, the region’s leading wine and spirits trade fair showcasing premium wine, beers, professional wine equipment and accessories from around the world; and Meat @ HOFEX, dedicated to the surging demand for prime meats across APAC and featuring the world’s leading meat purveyors from Colombia, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, the UK and more. Meat @ HOFEX will also be home to a new star of the show, HOFEX’ first food truck, sponsored by the Butcher’s Club. This mobile kitchen will roam the exhibition floor preparing and delivering meat from the Butchery Skills Challenge to visitors adjacent to Beer Street, serving up a match made in heaven.

    Hall 5 will house the co-located Retail Asia Conference & Expo (RACE). Presenting the latest catering and hospitality innovations, retail technologies and solutions including everything from floor-cleaning robots with 3D cameras to revolutionary Point of Sale systems and internet retailing. RACE provides trade professionals at HOFEX with an unrivalled opportunity to enhance operational performance. 

    On-site Events – Hong Kong International Culinary Classic and Mixed Barista Arts

    The culinary heart of the fair, the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic (HKICC) will see over 900 chefs, cooks, pastry chefs and apprentices from across the globe hone their culinary skills at this esteemed competition. This year, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited will be the Platinum Sponsor of the event, showcasing its latest ‘All-Electric Kitchen’ concept. Endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), the competitions include a Live Afternoon Tea Set Competition, the Gourmet Team Challenge and for the first time a Gelato competition sponsored by Bonny Foodservice Products, which provides a unique chance to mingle with the world’s best Gelato makers. The HKICC is also home to the impressive Butchery Skills Challenge sponsored by Sutherlands Gastronomy, where international teams of talented butchers will show off their passion, precision and power in a bid to be the best.

    Meanwhile, baristas from across the region will battle it out during the popular Mixed Barista Arts. Taking on a brand-new competition format this year, the 4-in-1 challenge will be comprised of 4-barista arts, namely single origin coffee knowledge and tasting ability, grinder skills and knowledge, latte art and ability to work as a team.

     “This is the 32nd year we are hosting HOFEX and we are proud to say that 2019 will be bigger and better than ever”, says Mr. Daniel Cheung, General Manager of UBM Asia. “For four days, the HKCEC will once again be transformed into a launchpad for new products and brands, a platform for like-minded professionals to connect and do business as well as providing an unmatched opportunity to gather industry knowledge.” 

    HOFEX is organised by UBM Asia, the largest tradeshow organiser in Asia with over 290 events, combining local expertise with a global industry network to provide high-quality events and the best customer experience for event attendees from all over the world. 

    Pre-registration for HOFEX 2019 is now open until 18 April on the website. Walk-ins are available on-site, and visitors may register and pick up a pass outside Hall 1. The show is open to trade professionals and media only and visitors must be aged 18 or above. Pre-registration passes include a complimentary 4-day show admission badge to HOFEX, ProWine Asia and Retail Asia Conference & Expo, as well as an electronic Advance Buyer’s Guide and access to the tradeshow’s complimentary business matching services.

    Lees ook:

  • KiKi Tea@Sun’s Bazaar Partnering Iconic Chiu Chow Restaurant Chiu Tang with Summer Pop-up Menu

    KiKi Tea@Sun’s Bazaar Partnering Iconic Chiu Chow Restaurant Chiu Tang with Summer Pop-up Menu

    Pacific Place’s popular casual Asian dining concept KiKi Tea@Sun’s Bazaar is presenting a summer pop-up menu in partnership with iconic Hong Kong Chiu Chow restaurant Chiu Tang.

    Chiu Tang’s Executive Chef Cheung Lam Por has created three traditional Chiu Chow specialties incorporating KiKi Tea’s sister brand KiKi Noodles for the seasonal promotion from 6 May to 31 August 2019. The new noodle options for summer also embrace Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for a light, healthy and affordable family gathering for light lunch or supper.

    Chiu Chow Assorted Meat Ball KiKi Noodles in Soup (Fish Balls, Beef Balls, Pork Sausage) (HK$98) redefines classic Chiu Chow fish balls from hawker stands of the 1960s and 1970s with a combo of meat balls and pork sausages homemade by Chef Cheung complimenting KiKi’s famed handmade Taiwan sun-dried noodles.

    Shredded Chicken KiKi Noodles in Soup, Chiu Chow Picked Vegetables, Mushroom (HK$98) showcases the Cantonese region’s fame for appetising cuisine with slightly sour flavour from pickling vegetables – now upgraded with premium mushroom and chicken.

    Pig’s Tripe and Pepper KiKi Noodles in Soup, Chiu Chow Pickled Vegetables (HK$98) pays homage to the resourcefulness of Chiu Chow chefs in creating nutritious yet extremely healthy dishes from humble ingredients like tripe, the stomach lining of a pig. Not only high in protein and fat-free, it aids digestion and strengthens the spleen and stomach – and is a ‘soul food’ adopted worldwide.

    Chef Cheung recommends to spice-up the specialties with KiKi Spicy Sauce, for an additional flavour of authentic Sichuan cuisine, incorporating hot pepper, premium Sichuan pepper and chilli bean sauce – free of MSG and preservatives and ideal for vegans.

    Seasoned chef Cheung Lam Por helmed Chiu Tang to Grade A status in the recent ‘Taste of Hong Kong’ awards and is frequently invited to cook private pop-ups at celebrity and socialite mansions. One of Hong Kong’s most celebrated Chiu Chow chefs, with 30 years’ experience in the craft, he is renowned for sourcing only the freshest, premium seasonal ingredients at the popular restaurant at The Galleria at 9Queen’s Road Central.

    “We select KiKi’s sun-dried handmade noodles for their exceptional texture and high quality, made without salt and dried naturally in sunlight, as authentic and traditional as you can find anywhere,” he said.

    KiKi Tea@Sun’s Bazaar has become an instant hit at Pacific Place, twinning the brand’s premium Taiwanese teas and bubbles with affordable modern Asian favourites. It stands out from the bubble tea crowd using quality natural ingredients including premium Taiwanese tea leaves, black sugar and cane sugar – along with authentic handmade pearls and pressed-to-order House Blend Teapresso.

    Popular favourites include Pineapple Green Teapresso (HK$38), Winter Melon Tea, Sichuan Pepper Flavoured Pearls topped with Cream Mousse(HK$36), Jasmine Tea, Chinese Herbal Tea Pearls (HK$33), KiKi Roasted Tea topped with Caramel and Nuts Cream Mousse (HK$34), and Brown Sugar Milk with Pearls (HK$35).

    Different ‘bubbles’ (add HK$5) beloved by celebrities including Shu Qi and Kimbee Chan include the most popular Brown Sugar Pearls; a favourite in Taiwan; Mini Taro Balls, Sichuan Pepper Flavoured Pearls with a spicy kick of ‘KiKi Sichuan Pepper Seasoning’; and Chinese Herbal Tea Pearls with prunella ‘heal-all’ tea (xia ku cao) used in Chinese medicine.

    All KiKi Tea drink specialities can also be adjusted to preferred levels of sweetness, from regular 50% down to 30% or zero, and also ice level, from regular 70% to 30% or no ice at all.

    KiKi Tea@Sun’s Bazaar is located at Shop 112, 1/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong , opens daily from 11 am to 10:30 pm.

    Lees ook:

  • Seoul mall uses media art To Indicate the Air Quality

    Seoul mall uses media art To Indicate the Air Quality

    Hanwha Galleria is informing Seoul citizens of fine-dust levels by using media art installed on the exterior of its department stores.

    If the fine-dust concentration is at “bad” levels, the lighting installed on the exterior of the Galleria Luxury Hall sends out red flashing signals three times before displaying a video consisting mainly of red.

    And on days when fine dust is low, images will be composed mainly of green hues.

    The initiative is part of Hanwha Galleria’s “Right! Galleria” campaign to encourage a culture of eco-friendly and sustainable consumption.

    As part of the Galleria campaign, the company will publicise fine dust levels.

    Hanwha Galleria will also give KF94 certified masks to customers who make a purchase on days when fine dust levels are 81μg/m3 or higher.

    The masks will be provided 10 times every day when fine dust levels are recorded as “bad.”

    Lees ook:

  • Airasia keen to buy digital platforms to boost digital business

    Airasia keen to buy digital platforms to boost digital business

    Airasia Group Bhd is keen to acquire digital platforms abroad to boost its digital business segment.

    AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said: “For sure…some will be M&A (merger and acquisition), some will be joint-ventures.”

    Asked which country the group was eyeing, he said: “Wait and see.”

    Fernandes was speaking to reporters after launching a brand new rooftop at AirAsia RedQ here, tonight. Also present was AirAsia executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.

    Going forward, Fernandes said digital business would become a large part of the group’s revenue.

    “But I don’t want to make any prediction but many years ago I said ancillary income will be a big part of our business, and it became 25 percent. I believe digital will be much bigger,” he added.

    Commenting on the new rooftop, Fernandes said the idea was to drive integration between the staff from different departments toward an exciting digital future.

    “Digital is more about department working closely together. We are on a very exciting journey turning Airasia into more than just an airline,” he added.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • AirAsia’s facial-recognition boarding system can now be activated on your smartphone

    AirAsia’s facial-recognition boarding system can now be activated on your smartphone

    Travelling can be stressful and AirAsia wants to make your boarding experience seamless with its new FACES feature. This is a facial recognition system that uses your face to replace your boarding pass.

    According to AirAsia Group CEO, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, you can now register your face on the official AirAsia app. To register, just go to your profile and then tap on “My FACES”. You will be asked to record a short video of your face and submit a copy of your passport. Before you can start using FACES, you’ll need to do a one-time verification with their ground staff. Once that’s done, you can just walk through their gates without showing your boarding pass.

    At the moment, FACES is only available at Senai Airport in Johor and they hope to roll out this feature to more airports throughout the country. According to AirAsia, the FACES feature can help to speed up the boarding process and it has a success rate of 98%. FACES is available only for adults aged 18 and above. You can learn more from their FAQ.

    Previously, passengers will need to register their face through a kiosk located around the check-in counter area. With the updated app, you can perform this step anytime with your smartphone.

    Lees ook:

  • Thai AirAsia to fly to Sihanoukville from July

    Thai AirAsia to fly to Sihanoukville from July

    Low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based AirAsia, will launch a direct flight from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Cambodia’s Sihanoukville in July. The coastal town will become Thai AirAsia’s third destination in Cambodia after Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

    “The new route is expected to serve the millions of foreign travellers who use Thailand as a hub, while for Thai travellers, Sihanoukville offers an affordable beach and cultural getaway,” Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya was quoted as saying in the Bangkok Post on Monday

    Norinda Khek, communications and public relations director at Cambodia Airports, confirmed the new flight, and said it demonstrates the efficiency of Cambodia Airports’ route development strategy, which aims to attract airlines by providing them marketing support, among other services.

    Taing Sochet Krisna, director of Preah Sihanouk province’s tourism department, said that the presence of one more airline in Sihanoukville International Airport will help increase the number of tourists to the province.

    He said China tops the list of visitors to the province by nationality, followed by neighboring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam.

    According to data from Cambodia Airports, last year air passenger traffic to the province increased by more than 92 percent, totalling 650,000 visitors.

    According to Mr Norinda, Sihanoukville International Airport has five domestic airlines – Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Airways, Lanmei Airlines, JC Cambodia Airlines, and Sky Angkor Airlines – and four international ones – AirAsia, Ruili Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Hainan Airlines.

    Lees ook: