Chinese President Xi Jinping departed from Phnom Penh by plane to return to China after concluding his state visit to Cambodia on Friday morning.
Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, along with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many, and Hun Manith, deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, visited Xi at the hotel where he stayed to bid him farewell.
Along the route to the airport, tens of thousands of local people and representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises, Chinese students and overseas Chinese lined the roads. Waving the national flags of China and Cambodia and holding banners that read "Long live China-Cambodia friendship", they warmly congratulated President Xi on the complete success of the visit.
Hun Sen and other senior officials saw Xi off at the airport, with Hun Sen holding a grand farewell ceremony.
Accompanied by Hun Sen, Xi inspected the Guard of Honor at the airport.
President Xi returned to Beijing on Friday afternoon after wrapping up state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia.
Xi concludes state visit to Cambodia
Xi concludes state visit to Cambodia
Xi concludes state visit to Cambodia
Morocco welcomed 5.7 million tourists in the first four months of 2025, up 23 percent from the same period last year, according to the latest official data from the kingdom's Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy.
The North African nation's tourism revenue reached 2.46 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2025, up 2.4 percent year on year.
Several factors contributed to this surge, including enhanced air connectivity, strategic marketing efforts, and a diverse range of attractions.
"The 'Morocco, Land of Light' campaign is disseminated in 20 global tourist destinations through digital media platforms and giant display screens in world capitals. Thanks to the partnership with international airlines, the number of international flights increased by 20 percent in one year," said Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy.
Foreign direct investment also played a crucial role in Morocco's tourism growth. Over the past five years, the country has averaged 3.5 billion U.S. dollars annually in FDI across all sectors.
"Foreign direct investments boost tourism projects and infrastructure and contribute to economic development. Morocco is a safe and stable country. That's why it continues to attract FDIs in all related sectors," said tourism expert Idriss Idrissi.
From the vibrant cities of Rabat, Marrakesh and Casablanca to serene beaches and unique desert resorts, Morocco offers a diverse experience for every type of travelers.
"Morocco has a colorful scenery. We're also glad to live an immersive experience in the old Medina where we can walk, eat and meet an amazing welcoming local community. Morocco is both traditional and very modern. It's an extraordinary experience!" said French Tourist Line Tezze.
The great performance of the tourism industry has also benefited the locals.
For many local artisans like Sidi Omar Tadili, tourism serves as a crucial source of income.
"The tourism boom has boosted the revenues of all Moroccan artisans. It has also opened up new markets while creating direct and indirect jobs in the craft industry across Morocco," said the artisan.
With Morocco set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 African Cup of Nations, tourism is expected to continue its upward trajectory.
Morocco sees tourism boom in first four months of 2025
