After months of closed borders and strict health measures due to the pandemic, Cambodia reopened its doors to international tourists in late 2021. The move paid off as the country welcomed 2.28 million foreign visitors last year, injecting $1.4 billion into the national economy.
The figures represent a staggering 667 percent increase in revenue compared to the previous year. The influx of tourists also provided jobs for 320,000 locals, a welcome boost for a sector that had been hit hard by the pandemic.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has designated 2022-2023 as the year of recovery for the tourism sector, with the goal of receiving at least 4 million international tourists in 2023. The Ministry of Tourism launched the “Visit Cambodia Year 2023” campaign in February to inspire stakeholders to work towards restoring the country’s tourism industry.
Thong Khon, the Minister of Tourism, has stressed the importance of the campaign in contributing to the restoration of Cambodia’s tourism sector. The sector is one of the four major pillars supporting the country’s economy, contributing 12.1 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2019, before the pandemic.
The reopening of Cambodia’s borders and the easing of health measures have led to a resurgence of the tourism industry, which had been battered by the pandemic. The government’s efforts to restore the sector are timely and necessary, given its significant contribution to the country’s economy.
The “Visit Cambodia Year 2023” campaign aims to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions to potential visitors. The campaign’s success will depend on the collaboration of all stakeholders, including the government, tourism industry players, and local communities.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for a sustainable and resilient tourism industry that can withstand crises. Cambodia’s recovery efforts provide an excellent opportunity to build back better and create a tourism industry that benefits all stakeholders while preserving the country’s natural and cultural assets.
Cambodia’s tourism industry is bouncing back, with the country welcoming 2.28 million foreign tourists last year and injecting $1.4 billion into the national economy. The government’s efforts to restore the sector through the “Visit Cambodia Year 2023” campaign are essential and timely.
Source: Khmer Times
