A direct flight from Zhanjiang to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia could be opened up as early as this year, according to expansion plans released by Zhanjiang Airport Company.

The plans detail the airport's commitment to opening up more routes throughout Asia, especially to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The expansion comes at a time when the coastal southern Guangdong city is experiencing a boom in tourism, thanks in part to the government's ramping up of its tourist promotion activities, particularly in the north of the country.

The airport says that more routes will help to buttress tourism growth as well as business exchanges between Zhanjiang, ASEAN, and nations on the Silk Road Economic Belt, and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road under the Belt and Road Initiative. The city is already seeing the effects of better ties in these areas, especially in its marine and agriculture sectors.

At a recent tourism symposium, Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing spoke of his desire to further branch out to northern China to increase tourism particularly during the winter months when the city maintains a temperate climate.

Areas of particular focus for the city include Jinan, Shijiazhuang, Dalian, and Shenyang. In addition, routes are planned to cities such as Guilin, Nanjing and Qingdao.