PHNOM PENH, April 24, 2024 — Cambodia has reported a significant 22.5 percent increase in international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024, according to a recent report from the Ministry of Tourism. The country welcomed 1.58 million visitors, compared to 1.29 million in the same period last year.

Despite a slight decrease in visitors from Thailand, which fell by 1.1 percent to 149,781, there were notable increases in tourists from Vietnam and China. Vietnamese tourists rose by 18.9 percent to 299,391, while Chinese visitors increased by 12 percent, totaling 189,961.

Approximately 40 percent of all international arrivals entered Cambodia via airports, marking a substantial year-on-year increase of 33 percent.

Tourism remains a vital pillar of Cambodia’s economy. The Kingdom boasts four world heritage sites including the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk in Kampong Thom province, and the Temple of Preah Vihear and Koh Ker archaeological site in Preah Vihear province. The nation also features a pristine 450-kilometer coastline stretching across four southwestern provinces: Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong.

In an effort to boost tourism, particularly in areas still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Government of Cambodia launched the ‘Visit Siem Reap 2024’ campaign earlier this month. Prime Minister Hun Manet has encouraged tourism officials, local authorities, and tour agents to increase tourism activities in Siem Reap province.

The report also noted a slight increase of 1.7 percent in outbound tourists from Cambodia, with numbers reaching 415,909 from January to March this year.

In 2023, Cambodia attracted 5.45 million foreign tourists, generating a gross revenue of US$3.08 billion.