International tourism receipts were estimated to have reached $3.7 billion in 2025, an increase of 3% over 2024, while the number of international visitors traveling to Cambodia stood at nearly 5.6 million.
The 2025 report by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) showed that Cambodia’s tourism sector continued its recovery in the first half of 2025, supported by the diversification of tourism destinations and increased direct flight connectivity.
However, from the beginning of the second half of 2025, two rounds of armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as technology-related scam crimes in the region, negatively affected the tourism sector, slowing growth in the sector to 5.1% (down from 13.2% in 2024).
The total number of international visitors to Cambodia in 2025 was nearly 5.6 million, a decrease of 16.9% compared to 2024, when the Kingdom welcomed 6.7 million guests.
“Total international tourism receipts are estimated at approximately $3.7 billion, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, while revenue from ticket sales for visiting the Angkor temple complex declined by 6.5% to $44.7 million,” said the report.
In 2024, Cambodia welcomed a total of 6.7 million international visitors, generating $3.637 billion in revenue — an 18% increase in visitor numbers compared to 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
A report from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) noted that in 2025, all three international airports — Techo International Airport, Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport and Sihanoukville International Airport — handled a total of 64,821 inbound and outbound flights, an increase of 11% over 2024. At the same time, total inbound and outbound air passengers reached 6,988,259, also up by 11%.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), told The Post that domestic political stability, airport construction and development, the friendliness of the Cambodian people and the country’s diverse tourism destinations are key magnets that help attract international tourists to Cambodia.
She added that growth in air travel is a positive sign for the tourism sector and expressed hope for more flight connections to further open Cambodia’s airspace to the world. She emphasised that air transport plays a crucial role not only for tourism but also for the broader economy.
“For Cambodia’s tourism sector, we want as many direct flights into Cambodia as possible so that we can attract tourists from all directions,” she said.
Tourism minister Huot Hak met with CATA on January 16. He urged all stakeholders to strengthen their capabilities and institutions to become more competitive at the regional and global levels.
He also called for greater attention and participation in promoting Cambodia’s tourism potential in target markets, expanding promotion of the country’s reputation and further strengthening the dissemination of positive information about Cambodia.
To attract more Chinese tourists, the government has approved a trial visa exemption for Chinese nationals holding passports of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, but excluding Taiwan.
Regardless of whether travellers fly directly from China or not, as long as they hold a PRC passport, they will be eligible for a visa exemption to enter Cambodia. A trial implementation will take place in from June 15 to October 15.
