Phnom Penh: Cambodia experienced a significant uptick in international tourism, with figures for January 2024 showing a 34% increase in foreign visitors compared to the same month last year, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Tourism.
The report highlights that Thailand, Vietnam, and China were the top sources of tourists, contributing 163,661, 85,700, and 46,781 visitors, respectively, to the total count of 540,023 international arrivals. A considerable portion of these tourists, over 206,506 million, entered the country through international airports, marking a 44.2% increase year-on-year. The remainder accessed Cambodia via land and water routes.
Additionally, the Ministry noted an 8.1% rise in Cambodian nationals traveling abroad, with the number reaching 155,983.
Tourism remains a critical component of Cambodia’s economic foundation, alongside garment exports, agriculture, and the burgeoning sectors of construction and real estate.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Tourism forecasts that Cambodia will host 7 million international visitors by 2025, aiming to eclipse the pre-pandemic peak of 6.6 million tourists recorded in 2019. This optimistic projection is supported by the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Cambodia is globally renowned for its UNESCO-listed sites, including the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, the sacred Preah Vihear Temple, the ancient Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province, and the historical Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site in Kampong Thom province. Additionally, Cambodia boasts a 450-kilometre-long untouched coastline along the southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong, enhancing its appeal as a diverse tourist destination.
The resurgence of international tourism in 2023, which saw 5.43 million visitors—a 139.5% surge from 2.27 million in 2022—generated significant revenue, with earnings amounting to US$3.08 billion. This represents a 117% increase from the US$1.41 billion recorded in 2022, underscoring the sector's rapid recovery and vital role in Cambodia's economic progress.
