Cambodia’s tourism sector breaks new ground, earns $3.63 billion
Cambodia’s tourism sector breaks new ground, earns $3.63 billion
Cambodia’s tourism sector earned $3.63 billion in 2024, up 17.8 percent from $3.08 billion a year earlier, according to a report from the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) released on January 31.
The Kingdom received 6.7 million international tourists last year, up 22.9 percent from 5.45 million in the year before, read the report.
Thailand was the largest source of foreign tourists to the Kingdom in 2024, the report said, adding that the country welcomed 2.14 million Thai visitors last year, up 17.9 percent from 1.82 million a year earlier.
Vietnamese and Chinese tourists ranked second and third on the country’s tourism market list with 1.34 million and 0.84 million respectively.
The government’s effective strategies and policies have facilitated a swift recovery in the tourism sector, said Hun Dany, Secretary of State and spokeswoman at the MoT.
Speaking to Khmer Times, Dany said, “The surge in foreign tourists reflects the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to enhance tourist travel and connectivity and active cooperation of the MoT with the private sector.”
She emphasized the important role of peace and strong political stability in attracting tourists.
“Peace and political stability are prerequisites in attracting tourists. Foreign tourists will not come to Cambodia if there is no peace, insecurity, and political stability in the country,” Dany said.
The government, through the MoT, continues to promote and provide various incentives to the private sector to attract international tourists. The e-Visa discount has been implemented since January 1, 2025. The (T) visa has been reduced from $36 to $30, and the (E) visa has been reduced from $42 to $35.
Additionally, the MoT has promoted cooperation with foreign embassies/representatives in Cambodia, development partners, Cambodian embassies-consulates abroad, and international cooperation to promote Cambodian tourism destinations.
In 2025, the government has allocated a budget to promote tourism and manage the reputation to attract more international tourists to Cambodia.
Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Travel Association, echoed the sentiment. “We have seen a remarkable surge in international tourists. Thanks to the government’s efforts in placing strategies and policies to help the tourism sector recover, giving incentives to the private sector, facilitating travels of tourists,” she said.
Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy.
The country has four world heritage sites namely the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk in Kampong Thom province, and the Temple of Preah Vihear and Koh Ker archaeological site in Preah Vihear.
