Kingdom’s high-end tourism growing rapidly
Kingdom’s high-end tourism growing rapidly
Cambodia has recently won international honours as the most affordable New Year getaway in Asia, but the high-end of the country’s tourism sector is also booming, the peak industry body says.
“It’s important to clarify that Cambodia isn’t simply a ‘cheap’ destination,” Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), told Khmer Times.
“We offer a wide range of travel experiences to suit all budgets.
“What distinguishes us is that we cater to budget travellers exceptionally well, especially during peak seasons and festivities.”
But high-end travel is also booming on the back of a concerted international campaign by CATA to promote Cambodia, she said.
“We’ve definitely noticed a surge in demand for higher-end travel experiences, particularly since the post-Covid recovery,” Sivlin said.
“Discerning travellers are increasingly seeking luxury accommodations, personalized tours, and unique cultural immersions.
“Cambodia is well-positioned to cater to this growing market with its boutique hotels, upscale resorts, and emerging culinary scene.”
Leading online travel platform Agoda last week declared Phnom Penh the most affordable destination in Asia for New Year celebrations, beating out Hanoi and Jakarta.
The capital’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and riverside celebrations attracted more than 1.5 million tourists, according to the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).
Agoda based its rankings on the average prices of rooms booked on the site but did not reveal the number of bookings.
The average room rate in Phnom Penh on New Year’s Eve was $67, followed by Hanoi at $79 and Jakarta at $97.
But the Kingdom’s reputation as an up-market destination is growing.
In September, The Times, London, ranked Cambodia 13th in its list of “23 of the world’s best luxury destinations.”
Typically, Cambodia’s been known for its backpacker digs, not its luxury scene,” The Times said.
“But new resorts are changing that.
“Try Six Senses Krabey Island, with herby Cambodian cuisine and a riverside spa, or Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, a lodge complex near the celebrated temples of Angkor Wat.”
Other top international luxury brands have already established a presence in Cambodia, including Raffles, Amman Resorts and Rosewood.
Villas at the Song Saa Private Island resort, off the coast of Sihanoukville, start at more than $1,700 a night.
The resort made Conde Nest Traveler magazine’s 2024 Gold List of Best Hotels in the World.
Sivlin said she expected this year to see further growth in the number of foreign tourists visiting Cambodia.
“Twenty-twenty-five is poised to be another strong year for Cambodian tourism,” she said.
“We anticipate a significant increase in tourist arrivals.”
The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) estimates more than 7 million foreign tourists will visit this year.
About 6.7 million visited in 2024, according to the ministry’s preliminary estimates – a 24 percent increase over the 5.4 million visitors in 2023.
Sivlin said the sustained strong growth was underpinned by increased international recognition – such as the Agoda ranking – and a proactive approach by the public and private sectors to promote Cambodia on the international stage.
Cambodia has several unique draws that set it apart from its neighbours, Sivlin said.
“Rather than focusing on short-term gains, Cambodians prioritize long-term growth by providing excellent service and value to attract tourists, thereby boosting the overall economy,” she said.
“And our attractions offer something different from our neighbours.
“Beyond the iconic Angkor Wat, we have the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the Killing Fields, each with powerful historical and cultural significance.
“Culture isn’t confined to museums here.
“It’s woven into the fabric of daily life, visible in the vibrant markets, traditional Apsara dances, and the warm hospitality of our people.
“Phnom Penh stands out by proudly preserving its unique Cambodian identity.
“We don’t simply imitate trends in other countries; instead, we leverage our distinct charms to attract visitors.”
At 6.7 million, the number of foreign visitors last year would also pass the pre-Covid record of 6.6 million in 2019.
The country earned just over $3 billion from tourism last year, according to MoT data.
