Cambodia welcomed 5.37 million international tourists during the first ten months of 2024, marking a 22 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year, according to a report from the Ministry of Tourism.
Thailand led as the top source market, contributing 1.72 million visitors despite a year-on-year decline of 14.9 percent. Vietnam followed with 1.08 million tourists, an impressive growth of 31.6 percent, while Chinese visitors surged by 52.5 percent, totaling 691,736 during the period.
Air travel accounted for 1.9 million arrivals, representing approximately 35.5 percent of the total international visitors and a year-on-year increase of 27 percent. The remaining tourists arrived through land border gates and waterways, reflecting a diverse influx of travelers.
The Ministry of Tourism attributed the growth to collaborative efforts in promoting Cambodia’s tourism and the expansion of connected flight routes, which have made travel to the Kingdom more accessible.
“This growth of foreign tourist arrivals reflected that the tourism sector in Cambodia is recovering upward,” said Top Sopheak, Secretary of State and Spokesman of the Ministry of Tourism.
The ministry has set an ambitious target of attracting seven million international visitors by 2025, surpassing the 6.6 million recorded in 2019 before the pandemic.
Cambodia’s appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. The country is home to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, the Preah Vihear Temple, and the Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear Province, as well as the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site in Kampong Thom. Cambodia’s 450-kilometer-long pristine coastline, spanning the provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong, adds to its allure as a tourist destination.
Outbound tourism from Cambodia also saw a modest rise, with 1.57 million Cambodians traveling abroad during the period, a year-on-year increase of 2.6 percent.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Cambodia’s economy, contributing about 13 percent to its GDP. The record high of 6.61 million international tourists in 2019 serves as a benchmark for the Kingdom’s post-pandemic recovery and growth.
Source: Khmer Times
Follow Our Channels for Daily Updates: Telegram / WhatsApp
