After a record-breaking year in 2024, Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced an ambitious goal to welcome over 7 million international tourists in 2025. The announcement was made by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, during a seminar on “Tourism Promotion and Anti-Fake News” held on January 15 at the Ministry of Information.
“The ministry has set a strategic plan to attract up to 7.2 million or 7.5 million foreign tourists in 2025,” said the Minister.
A Year of Growth and Optimism
In 2024, Cambodia received 6.7 million international tourists, marking a 22.9% increase from 2023 and a 1.4% rise compared to 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on this momentum, the Ministry of Tourism has outlined key strategies to sustain growth, including detailed planning, effective implementation, and continuous monitoring of tourist arrivals.
Targeting New Markets
Recognizing the growing potential of the Muslim tourism market, the Ministry is developing strategies to increase Cambodia’s appeal among Muslim travelers. This effort is part of a broader initiative to diversify Cambodia’s tourism offerings and cater to evolving global travel trends.
Ending the “Low Season”
Another priority for the Ministry is to eliminate Cambodia’s traditional low tourism season, which currently spans from April to September. By fostering year-round tourist activity, the Ministry aims to maintain a consistent influx of visitors and stabilize the tourism sector.
Enhanced Visa Processes and Reduced Fees
To further attract international tourists, the Royal Government has streamlined visa application procedures by integrating e-Visa and e-Arrival systems into a unified platform. Additionally, the government has reduced fees for electronic visas. The tourist e-Visa (T) fee is now US$30, down from US$36, while the regular e-Visa (E) fee has been reduced to US$35 from US$42.
These measures aim to make travel to Cambodia more convenient and affordable, reflecting the country’s commitment to bolstering its tourism industry. With these steps, Cambodia is poised to achieve its ambitious target and reinforce its status as a leading destination in Southeast Asia.
Source: Ministry of Information
