During the first 11 months of the year, Cambodia welcomed 5.17 million international visitors, a nearly 14% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.
According to a report from Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism on 26/12, Vietnam emerged as the largest source market, contributing 1.11 million arrivals and accounting for over 20% of the nation's total international visitors. Despite this, Vietnamese visitor numbers declined by over 7% compared to the same period last year.
Following Vietnam, China was the second-largest market with 1.1 million arrivals, marking a 44% increase. Thailand came in third with 1.01 million arrivals, experiencing the steepest decline among all markets at 47%.
Cambodia's tourism sector contributed 9.4% to the nation's gross domestic product in 2024. Thong Mengdavid, Deputy Director of the China-ASEAN Research Center, attributed the overall decline to global economic recession and intensifying regional destination competition. He also identified limited air connectivity and insufficient tourism product diversification as ongoing challenges for the industry.
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International tourists visit the famous Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia. *Photo: ANA* |
Border tensions with Thailand in June also impacted land-based arrivals, a segment that traditionally forms a large part of Cambodia's tourism. Ministry of Tourism data showed land arrivals decreased by nearly 30%, contrasting with a 20% increase in air arrivals.
Arnaud, a hospitality expert in Cambodia, commented that this imbalance does not signify tourists are abandoning Cambodia or that the nation has lost its appeal. Instead, it highlights an over-reliance on land-based entry. Cambodia faces consequences for its slow diversification of entry points and tourism products.
Arnaud emphasized that this year's decline provides a clear lesson for Cambodia to reassess its tourism strategy. Key priorities should include establishing Phnom Penh as a primary destination, rather than merely a transit hub for Siem Reap. He also advised Cambodia to strengthen direct air links, lessen its dependence on Thailand, and consistently promote its coastal regions and nature reserves.
By Anh Minh (According to Khmer Times, cambod gemag)
