Cambodia & Tourism: An uneven recovery and persistent disparities

The year 2025 marks a turning point for Cambodia's tourism sector, as illustrated by official statistics documented in the Ministry of Tourism's report for July 2025. After a decade of almost continuous growth, the pandemic disrupted flows, but data points to a recovery and transformation of dynamics, driven by market diversification and national resilience.

Phnom Penh. Photo CG

International arrivals through July 2025 stood at 3,711,876 visitors, a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to 2024, but a modest decline in the face of the post-COVID global contraction.

 However, compared to 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, the figures show a certain stabilisation, with a decline limited to 3.4%.

The sector currently contributes 9.4% of GDP in 2024, a semblance of a return to normal after historic lows in 2020 (3%) and 2021 (1.8%).

International tourism revenues reached USD 3.637 million. However, the shadow of the pandemic remains, evident in the contraction of the ASEAN regional market and the sharp decline in some traditional sources of visitors.

Access modes are being updated

Cambodia is benefiting from multimodal connectivity. Air arrivals grew by 23.2% to 1,658,647 visitors, accounting for 44.7% of the total. Phnom Penh, the main air hub, accounts for a large share (33.5% of arrivals). Siem Reap Airport, once the preferred gateway to Angkor, is struggling to regain its volumes, while Sihanoukville is showing impressive growth (+216.9%), despite modest absolute figures.

By land and river, Cambodia experienced a slight decline (-14.3%), reflecting the volatility of the border market and geopolitical tensions. However, the share of arrivals by land (54%) still exceeds that by air.

Market mapping: Asia, the driving force behind the rebound

Asia and the Pacific remain the mainstay of Cambodian tourism, generating 83.1% of arrivals in 2025, a very slight decrease compared to last year (-3.3%). ASEAN, the traditional driving force, is declining sharply (-14.3%), particularly due to the contraction in demand from Thailand and Vietnam.

In contrast, China is booming (+48.2%), propelling the country to third place in the market rankings. North Asian markets (China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) account for 24.6% of flows, with a spectacular recovery in China (687,509 tourists, up 48.2%).

This rebound coincides with the lifting of restrictions and renewed confidence among Chinese travellers, stimulated by proactive policies on the part of the Cambodian authorities (visas, promotional campaigns).

Europe (11.8%) posted significant growth (+18.4%), led by the United Kingdom (+22.1%) and France (+11.5%).

Oceania and the Americas are stagnating, despite relative growth in certain sub-markets, suggesting the need to relaunch targeted campaigns on these continents.

Africa and the Middle East, still marginal, are experiencing structural growth, thanks in particular to the diversification of their offerings (ecotourism, business).

Analysis of travellers' motives and profiles

The share of tourists travelling for business or other reasons than leisure is increasing, signalling a change in habits and a desire on the part of public authorities to attract a more diverse clientele.

Women account for 41.3% of arrivals, a sign of societal change and the rise of family tourism. Growing interest in ecotourism and trips to the provinces (Preah Sihanouk, ecological zones) confirms the appetite for authentic and responsible experiences, reinforced by policies to promote natural and cultural sites.

Focus on the Thai crisis: a dramatic decline

Thailand, the historic driving force behind cross-border tourism, has seen arrivals plunge by 17.5% for the year as a whole and 90.5% in July.

The border crisis is compounded by aggressive competition from other regional destinations and a decline in Thai household purchasing power.This decline is not isolated. Vietnam also posted a decline (-5.7%), as did most ASEAN markets, with an overall contraction of 14.3%.

The national industry: vitality of domestic tourism

The momentum of domestic tourism is remarkable: domestic travel jumped 52.9% in seven months, stimulated by a stimulus policy aimed at the local population.

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coastal regions account for most of the volume, while ecotourism is growing in the hinterland (+23.6%). This dynamism demonstrates the strategic importance of the domestic market, which acts as a buffer against international shocks and a lever for sustainable growth.

Projections

The Cambodian tourism sector is going through a transition phase. The recovery is well underway, but remains uneven across markets and exposed to economic risks (regional instability, fluctuations in purchasing power, international competition). To consolidate its position, Cambodia must continue its efforts in infrastructure, innovation and promotion.

Greater regional cooperation, coupled with diversification of destinations and profiles, appear to be essential. Finally, sustainability must remain at the heart of development in order to preserve the natural and cultural resources that constitute the DNA of Cambodian tourism.

Cambodia, with its strong resilience, is resolutely moving towards a new era of tourism. Data from July 2025 reveals a responsive industry, but one facing multiple challenges. Only an adaptive and innovative strategy will enable the tourism sector to become a real lever for inclusive and sustainable growth.