Cambodia attracts 4.29 million international tourists in first 8 months, sees 22.5 % growth
Cambodia attracts 4.29 million international tourists in first 8 months, sees 22.5 % growth
Cambodia welcomed 4.29 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2024, marking a 22.5 % increase from 3.5 million recorded during the same period last year, according to a report by the Ministry of Tourism’s report released on Friday.
Thailand led the list of top tourist arrivals, with 13.4 million Thais travelling to Cambodia –an increase of 13%. Vietnam and China followed in second and third place respectively.
The report noted that 35.8 % of the tourists arrived by air, while 64.2 % entered via land and waterways.
In a message commemorating World Tourism Day, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet described tourism as the kingdom’s “green gold”, a key contributor to the nation’s socio-economic development. He expressed optimism that Cambodia will attract nearly 6 million international tourists by the end of 2024, with a projection to reach 7 million by 2026.
The Prime Minster highlighted the importance of the newly operational Chinese-invested 4E-level Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which began commercial flights in November 2023, and the upcoming 4F-class Techo International Airport, set to open in the first half of 2025, in sustaining long-term tourism growth.
Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting the country’s economy. In 2023, the sector generated $3.08 billion in revenue and created around 450,000 direct jobs, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
