Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Archaeological Park has reported a remarkable increase in ticket sales, generating a revenue of $37.19 million in 2023, a significant rise of 222 percent compared to the previous year. The latest report from Angkor Enterprise, the state-owned organization responsible for managing the park, revealed that 798,069 foreign visitors purchased entrance passes to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. This represents an impressive surge of 177.6 percent from 2022.
Notably, the month of December 2023 witnessed ticket sales revenue of $4.65 million, marking an 84 percent increase when compared to the same period in the preceding year. A total of 98,073 foreign tourists visited the park during December, reflecting a substantial rise of 57 percent.
Secretary of State and spokesperson of the Ministry of Tourism, Top Sopheak, attributed this notable growth in tourist numbers to the resumption of flights and the opening of new air routes. These developments have facilitated easier access to Cambodia for international passengers, particularly through direct flights.
The price of tickets to Angkor Archaeological Park varies according to the duration of the visit. A one-day pass costs $37, while a three-day visit is priced at $62. For those who wish to explore the park for a week, the charge stands at $72. Situated in northwest Siem Reap, the park is home to numerous historic temples and is revered as Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination.
In addition to the Angkor area, Cambodia also sold tickets for the Koh Ker temple area, generating $222,090 in revenue during 2023. Boat ticket sales at the Chong Klas port contributed an additional $564,671.
Since the launch of the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in October 2023, there has been a substantial increase in foreign tourist arrivals, not only in the province but also throughout the country. Sin Chansereyvutha, Under-Secretary of State at the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), stated that the new airport, classified as a 4E-level international airport, can handle up to seven million passengers annually. However, it is expected to increase its capacity to a staggering 12 million passengers per year by 2040.
Covering an area of 401 square kilometers, the Angkor area showcases the splendid remains of various capitals of the Khmer Empire from the ninth to the 15th centuries. It encompasses notable temples such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Chau Say Tevoda, and Ta Keo, attracting tourists from around the globe.
The Ministry of Tourism’s report revealed that Cambodia welcomed approximately 4.91 million international tourists during the January to November period in 2023, exhibiting a significant surge of 157 percent compared to the same period in the prior year. Leading the list of countries of origin for tourism were Thailand, Vietnam, and China, with 1.65 million, 920,093, and 498,250 visitors respectively.
As Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to flourish, the surge in revenue from Angkor Archaeological Park highlights the enduring appeal of the country’s rich cultural heritage and captivating landmarks.
Source: Khmer Times
