January 2024 marked a significant upswing in international tourism for Cambodia, with the Ministry of Tourism reporting that a substantial portion of foreign visitors hailed from Cambodia’s immediate neighbors. The country welcomed 540,023 international tourists, marking a 34% increase from the 402,943 visitors in January 2023. Notably, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos were the top contributors, accounting for over half of the total tourist influx, with Thailand leading the pack.
Khieu Thy, the president of the Khmer Angkor Tourist Guide Association (KATGA), observed a consistent rise in the number of international tourists visiting Cambodian landmarks, particularly Angkor Wat, since late October. The trend includes a notable increase in tourists from India and Eastern European nations such as Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria. Thy remains optimistic about the prospects of attracting even more international visitors in 2024, contingent on global economic stability and the absence of major disruptions.
The recently operational Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) now accommodates approximately 25 flights daily, contributing to the accessibility and attractiveness of Siem Reap as a tourist destination. “Since the end of October 2023, there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of international tourists to Siem Reap, and we expect this trend to continue,” Thy commented. He also highlighted the employment opportunities generated by this influx, with most association members securing work for a significant part of each month.
Thy emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between government bodies and the private sector to amplify Cambodia’s tourism appeal. He recommended enhancements in the aesthetic appeal and security of tourist sites, the introduction of new tourism products, and the adoption of competitive pricing strategies for souvenirs.
Echoing Thy’s sentiments, Anheng Sokpheak, president of the Cambodia Chinese Tour Guide Association (CCTGA), acknowledged the steady increase in foreign visitors post-pandemic, underscoring their pivotal role in job creation and economic growth. Despite a rebound, the influx of Chinese tourists, who were the predominant visitor demographic in 2019, remains comparatively low.
Looking back, Cambodia received over 6.61 million international tourists in 2019, a 6.6% increase from the previous year. In 2023, the figure reached 5.45 million, a substantial 139.5% growth from 2022, generating approximately $3.04 billion in tourism revenue, a notable increase from $1.41 billion in the preceding year, as per ministry reports. This resurgence underscores Cambodia’s growing appeal as a key destination in the international tourism landscape.
