Cambodia

The Minister of Tourism said that Cambodia aims to attract 7.2-7.5 million foreign tourists in 2025. According to the Minister, key tasks include enhancing Cambodia's appeal to the growing Muslim tourism market, and maintaining a high influx of tourists year-round

The Interior Ministry is considering issuing temporary border passes for non-residents at the Thai-Cambodia border, which will be valid for one week at a time. Additionally, a permanent customs checkpoint will be established at Baan Khlong Luek Railway Station in Sa Keao to support rail transport and boost trans-border trade. Another permanent checkpoint will be set up at the Thailand-Cambodia Friendship Bridge

On 17 Jan, cruise ship Riviera docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, carrying 1,130 foreign tourists from 26 nationalities, and 756 members from 48 nationalities. Among the passengers, 792 were Americans, and 138 were Canadians

On 15 Jan, Cambodia and Indonesia signed an MoU to collaborate on sustainable tourism management at 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park and Indonesia's Borobudur Temple

Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia pledged to promote Cambodia’s stability and positive developments to Japanese citizens, tourists, and business communities. Plans include establishing direct flights, organising familiarisation trips, and creating joint promotional content

The Minister of Information urged journalists and content creators to promote accurate information to boost tourism, support economic growth, and encourage more visitors. In 2024, over 3,651 fake news stories related to politics, national security, the economy, and tourism were recorded, an increase from 3,208 in 2023

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the Daubai Production, is producing a documentary titled “The Trip of 5 Couples from Kazakhstan to Cambodia”, aiming to promote Cambodia’s peace, stability, safety, and warm hospitality to international audiences. Filming began on 10 Jan

From 15-17 Jan, Cambodian Ministry of Tourism participated in the ASEAN TRAVEX 2025 in Johor Bahru in Malaysia. Around 15 travel agencies and tour operators are also participating to promote Cambodia's tourism products and destinations

The Siem Reap Tourism Club Association (STC) organised a charity golf tournament to raise $5,000 USD for a hospitality training programme for 200 underprivileged students. The project also received funding from the Skills Development Fund and additional support from tourism businesses for internships and job opportunities for trainees

The Ministry of Environment (MoE)’s “Plastic-Free National Roads” campaign was praised by Cambodia’s tourism sector for its role in improving the country’s image and boosting eco-tourism. According to the MoE, in 2024, the campaign to cut plastic imports achieved an 80% reduction. Additionally, plastic litter dropped significantly, with an 80% decrease in waste across 11 provinces compared to 2023

On 10 Jan, the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) met with the Hainan Tourism Association to discuss attracting Chinese tourists to Cambodia. CATA's president urged the sale of more tour packages to Cambodia to boost tourism and people-to-people connections

The ISI Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sihanoukville, spanning 800 hectares, was launched on 10 Jan. The SEZ is part of Cambodia's broader industrial strategy, with 28 of 52 registered SEZs active, creating around 200,000 jobs. From Jan-Nov 2024, Cambodia's SEZ exports reached $5.4 billion USD

The Chinese ambassador to Cambodia projected that in 2025, Cambodia will welcome over 800,000 Chinese visitors, surpassing 2024 figures. The Chairman of the Asia Pacific Travel Association Cambodia chapter (PATA) proposed lifting visa requirements for Chinese nationals

The Kampot International Tourism Port (KITP) aims to attract 500,000 tourists in 2025, doubling to 1 million in 2026. The KITP authority signed an MoU with Vireak Buntham Express Co. Ltd. (VET) for high-speed ferry services to Vietnam and Thailand. The ferries can carry 300 passengers and make 40-minute voyages twice daily, with initial ferry service connecting Kampot to Phu Quoc island. Planned routes include Trat, Sihanoukville, and Koh Kong

The Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) partnered with 2 NGOs, including Ocean Recovery Alliance Ltd. (ORA) and NGO2 Bamboo Shoot Foundation. Initiatives under the MoU include educational events, film festivals, and theatre performances to promote waste solutions, recycling initiatives, swimming and water stewardship in the Tonle Sap region

According to data from the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC), Cambodia earned $63.1 million USD in tax revenue from casinos and games of chance in 2024, +85% YoY. Under Cambodian law, only foreigners are allowed to gamble in casinos

On 9 Jan 2025, Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC) and Singapore Learning Academy (SLA) jointly hosted the “Critical core skills for emerging managers” programme in Phnom Penh. MBCC and SLA signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in training and capacity building, supporting Cambodia’s human resource development goals

The Bavet International Border Gate in Svay Rieng province that borders Vietnam handled 1.57 million travellers from 172 nationalities in 2024, +15.8% YoY. Of these, 187,687 international travellers entered Cambodia (12.3% of all visitors), while 1,301,290 foreigners departed Cambodia through the same gate. According to the Assistant Chief of the Bavet International Border Gate Inspection Office, visitors included both foreign and local individuals engaged in work-related duties, discussions, trade exchanges, and leisure travel. An official at the Bavet International Border Gate reported a rise in European visitors, with the majority of them heading to Phnom Penh for their stay

The 8th Angkor Ultra Trail will be held in Siem Reap on 18 Jan 2025. The President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) said that 1,368 participants from 44 countries registered as of 5 Jan. France leads with 402 runners, closely followed by Cambodia with 401 participants. The race takes place through woodlands, rural areas, and the Angkor Archaeological Park. The NOCC and Phoenix Voyages are considering future competitions in Cardamom, Sihanoukville, and Mondulkiri

Peninsula Bay Investment Co. is developing a 15.8-hectare integrated entertainment resort in Preah Sihanouk province, with an estimated total cost of $1 billion USD, and is expected to create around 5,000 jobs. Zone B, featuring condominiums and commercial buildings, is scheduled for completion by late 2025. Zone A, including a 5-star hotel, shopping malls, and entertainment parks, is expected to be finished by 2028. The provincial governor emphasised the need for a high-standard wastewater treatment plant to prevent environmental pollution and ensure sustainable operations

From 27-31 Jan 2025, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), in collaboration with the Sihanoukville Provincial Administration, will organise the “Cultural Tourism and Trade Fair” in Preah Sihanouk Province at Techo Stadium. The fair will feature food exhibitions, trade fairs, art performances, and sports competitions

A 250-kilometre border ring road is being constructed in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces, expected to be completed by Apr 2027. The government raised nearly $27 million USD for the project through the Border Infrastructure Fund, supported by 720,000 contributors. The Chief of the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Unit said that the construction of the border road will increase the accessibility of the Northeast, enhancing its tourism potential

From 27-31 Jan 2025, a cultural and commercial tourism fair will take place at Techo Ground in Preah Sihanouk Province, with activities including food and product displays, cultural performances, and sports competitions. The Preah Sihanouk provincial authorities also planned to host a photography and video competition towards the end of Jan to promote the province’s tourist destinations

Phnom Penh was declared the most affordable destination in Asia for New Year celebrations by Agoda, with an average room rate of $67 USD on New Year’s Eve. Hanoi ranked second with an average rate of $79 USD, followed by Jakarta at $97 USD. According to preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed around 6.7 million foreign tourists in 2024

The AIDAstella cruise ship docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) on 19 Dec 2024, carrying 2,757 people, including 2,126 international tourists from 36 nationalities (mainly Germany, Switzerland, and Austria). The Seabourn Encore cruise ship docked on 31 Dec 2024, carrying 500 international tourists from 33 countries. The Managing Partner of C4 Adventures tour organiser said that Sihanoukville faces daily waste management issues, with 1,000 tonnes of garbage produced. The Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter pointed out that many cruise passengers remain onboard or visit only a few local attractions, limiting their economic impact. He suggested more comprehensive tour packages to encourage passengers to explore beyond the port and boost local revenue

From 30-31 Dec, Siem Reap welcomed 333,660 visitors, +9.73% YoY, including 323,400 local tourists and residents, +9.63% YoY, and 10,260 international tourists, +13.20% YoY

From 29-31 Dec, Battambang welcomed 364,055 tourists, +2.93% YoY, including 363,028 domestic tourists, +2.90% YoY, and 1,027 international tourists, +11.87% YoY

On New Year’s Eve 2024, Kampot welcomed 198,501 tourists, including 197,848 domestic tourists, and 653 international tourists. Tourists visited various resorts, tourist communities, and Kampot City, with the most popular destinations being the beach area, gardens, seahorse statue with water spray, and the large clock

In 2024, the Angkor site attracted 1,023,688 foreign tourists, +28% YoY. Revenue from ticket sales amounted to $47,826,981 USD, +28% YoY. 1-day tickets accounted for 61% of total ticket sales, with over 630,000 sold, followed by 3-day tickets (36% of total sales), and 1-week tickets (1.61% of total sales). The Angkor Foundation predicts a further 25-30% increase in tourists by 2025, expecting around 1.3 million visitors

On 31 Dec, nearly 500 foreign tourists arrived in Cambodia via the Sea Bourn Encore cruise ship at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The ship carried 470 tourists from 33 nationalities, including 170 American tourists, 76 British, 63 Australian, and 63 from other nationalities, and 402 crew members from 47 nationalities

According to the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), 80,000 participants signed up for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), around 30,000 are currently undergoing training, and another 20,000 graduated after undergoing training for 4-9 months

According to the Deputy Director of the Battambang Provincial Department of Tourism, over 90,000 domestic and international tourists visited the 2-day Khmer Food Fair in Battambang. The event attracted 39,295 tourists on 29 Dec, +3.77% YoY, and 54,114 tourists on 30 Dec, +4.14% YoY

The Preah Sihanouk administration announced celebrations for the New Year, featuring concerts, exhibitions, fireworks, and a lantern release. The Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province said that hotel rooms and guesthouses in Sihanoukville are fully booked, especially around Otres Beach and Ochheuteal Beach, with around 240-12,000 rooms fully occupied. Most bookings are made by foreign tourists, particularly from Europe and America

In response to the government’s announcement on visa fee reduction, the President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents said that the reduction will likely have minimal impact, and called for complete visa fee exemptions to create a stronger incentive. The Prime Minister stated that it is not yet the right time for Cambodia to waive visa fees entirely due to the importance of visa revenue to the national income. A staff member at a travel agency in Siem Reap complained about the 2-hour delays that international tourists entering Cambodia via land borders may experience

According to the government, starting 1 Jan 2025, tourist e-Visa fees (T) will reduce from $36 to $30 USD, while the regular e-Visa (E) will reduce from $42 to $35 USD, aiming to attract more tourists and investors to Cambodia. The Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter suggested visa incentives for travellers from the top 20 arrival countries to further boost tourism

The pedestrian street along the riverside in Phnom Penh, stretching from the Cambodia Post Office to the Royal Palace, will launch by the end of Jan 2025. According to the Governor of Phnom Penh, the pedestrian street will operate on Fridays and weekends, with vehicle restrictions during these times. The Municipal Administration said that the food section is the first priority, with other issues to be addressed as needed. The project also includes the development of parking areas, public restrooms, and arrangements for street vendors to ensure smooth operation and public support, aiming to attract both local and international tourists while addressing urban challenges like traffic congestion

The Dutch cruise ship Noordam docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on 27 Dec for a one-day visit. The ship brought a total of 2,778 people on-board, with 2,009 international tourists from 50 nationalities, many from the U.S., Australia, and Canada

The Shangri-La Phnom Penh will open on 28 Dec 2024, offering 303 rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Tonle Bassac rivers

According to the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), the Cambodian Embassy in Japan in collaboration with the ASEAN-Japan Center will host the Cambodia Foods Show in Japan on 21 Feb 2025. The event includes cooking demonstrations by Cambodian chefs, cultural performances, product displays, and food tasting networking sessions. In 2024, the number of Japanese companies registered in Cambodia rose to 88, +20.55% YoY

According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism, from Jan-Nov 2024, Chinese arrivals to Cambodia reached 769,775, +54.5% YoY, accounting for 12.8% of the 6 million international tourist arrivals to Cambodia during the period. China was the third-largest source of international tourists to Cambodia, following Thailand and Vietnam

On 21 Dec, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism met with Chairman of China Tourism Group Corporation Limited (CTG) to discuss enhancing tourism cooperation and targeting travellers from Hong Kong, Macau, and nearby regions. Key initiatives announced include the formation of a working group to implement the MoU between Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and CTG, business matching and FAM trips, chartered flights between Cambodia and China planned for 2025, and promotional campaigns