Travel & Tourism in Cambodia Exploring Cambodian Travel & Tourism Post-Pandemic
Cambodia was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the global lockdown halted the progress made by the tourism industry, impacting the livelihood of the vast majority of Cambodians who rely on tourism for their income.
The popular Southeast Asian country has relied on its rich history, culture, and natural wonders, to be an attractive destination for travellers from around the globe.
Post-pandemic, there is renewed hope for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism industry. The Cambodian government has made dedicated efforts to revive this crucial economic pillar and since tourism has resumed post-COVID-19, the relevant authorities have been proactive in enabling tourism to flourish once again.
We will explore the latest trends in travel to the Kingdom of Cambodia, reviewing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Drawing on insights from the recent Consumer Report Cambodia 2023, conducted in collaboration with local agency Standard Insights and based on responses from over 1,000 Cambodians, we evaluate Cambodians’ current attitudes toward travel as well as the current developments in Cambodia's revived tourism sector.
There are many unique and incredible experiences for adventurous travellers in the Kingdom of Cambodia, but among the most popular are its ancient temples.
The magnificent and captivating Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural icon, is located to the northwest of the country, closely situated to Siem Reap. This ancient temple complex attracts global visitors who are astounded by the size, inequity and grandeur of the Khmer Empire. With such an abundant collection of ancient temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan, each showcases beautiful stone carvings and provides clues into discovering Cambodia's rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Cambodia is also a land of stunning natural landscapes, from the coast to the south, the agricultural heartlands in the centre, and rolling mountains to the northeast and south.
The largest coastal city of Sihanoukville, which is undergoing a transformation, attracts visitors to its beaches and is a gateway to the tropical and unspoiled islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The Cardamom Mountains' rugged beauty is perfect for nature lovers as there is an abundance of tropical forests as well as diverse wildlife.
Culturally, Cambodia's warm and hospitable people are well-known for their friendliness and ever-present smiles which help contribute to the country's charm.
For visitors, the country allows for an immersive experience and interactions to better understand the local culture and the generally good English and French language skills allow for easy interaction with the locals. Time can be spent exploring traditional markets, and sampling delicious Khmer cuisine.
One of the major attractions remains Cambodia's affordability compared to other tourist destinations in the region and the dual use of the US Dollar and the local Riel are benefits to the budget-conscious traveller.
According to the recently released report, more than a third (35.13%) of respondents chose Cambodia as their top choice for an ideal travel destination in Asia. This preference cuts across all genders, age ranges, and locations. Japan secured the second spot with 14.77%, closely followed by neighbouring Thailand, with 14.37% of the votes.
Tourism remains one of the core economic pillars of Cambodia and thus is a key focus of the Cambodian government's socio-economic development strategy.
In 2019, Cambodia welcomed a record-breaking 11.32 million domestic tourists, while international visitor numbers reached 6.61 million. This represented a 6.6% increase from the previous year and was the final full year pre-pandemic.
The tourism sector employs among the largest workforce in Cambodia and has played a significant role in job creation, with as many as 630,000 working in tourism, while contributing 12.1% to the country's GDP. The service sector is expected to experience among the highest growth rates as the country surges post-pandemic.
Cambodia’s tourism sector, which was mirrored globally, was severely impacted when the global pandemic forced the closure of borders and stringent travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in international arrivals. By 2020, Cambodia recorded only 1.31 million tourist arrivals, with 1.15 million visitors in Q1 - indicating how much of a drop off there was in the year and arrivals dropping as much as 80% compared to 2019!
Despite a challenging two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Cambodia has been showing signs of recovery since the successful rollout of vaccines and ad international borders lifted the restrictions and international flights aim to return to pre-pandemic levels.
By 2022, Cambodia had received 2.2 million international visitors, while 2.57 million international visitors arrived in the first half of 2023 alone, indicating the sharp increase post-pandemic. The Cambodian government has a target of 4.5 million international tourists in 2023.
This growth reflects the renewed confidence of travellers visiting Cambodia's cultural and natural attractions.
Although there is an undeniable upward trajectory in Cambodia’s tourism sector numbers, there is still an air of caution among people when it comes to travel.
The report echoed this as close to half (44.1%) of Cambodians do not feel safe when it comes to travelling currently, and only 22.96% expressed a sense of feeling safe while travelling.
Among the concerns regarding travel in 2023, a significant majority of Cambodian respondents (65.5%) indicated that health and safety were top of the list, and there remained apprehensions surrounding COVID-19 despite the country's successful vaccination efforts.
There is also growing unease about the escalating costs (35.1%) associated with travel in 2023, which have been driven upwards by inflation, and due to rising demand as the travel sector has seen a surge. The rising prices of transportation, accommodation, and other travel expenses result in ongoing financial concerns for individuals, particularly those with limited budgets.
Read more: Soaring Concern Over Inflation in Cambodia
These multifaceted concerns highlight the challenges that still lie ahead for the tourism sectors and for those planning to embark on journeys domestically in Cambodia and overseas.
The Cambodian government has and is actively implementing a range of comprehensive plans and strategies to ensure the tourism sector rebounds strongly. This will aid the economic growth of the Kingdom following COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Cambodia's economy is projected to grow at a rate of 5.5% in 2023 and 6.0% in 2024, mainly driven by the recovery of tourism and the services sector. The recovery of the tourism sector will also result in the growth of trade, transport, and communications.
To achieve a sustainable and competitive tourism industry, the Cambodian government introduced a roadmap for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism sector from 2020 to 2025. Among the measures are plans to develop new tourism products, provide training to enhance the skills of the workforce, and also offer more tourism diversity and ecotourism.
The goal is to attract higher-value tourism and improve Cambodia's global competitiveness.
Cambodia has also received significant support from the World Bank which recently approved a USD $274 million credit for the Cambodia Growth and Resilience Development Policy Operation. This type of financing will support reforms to stimulate Cambodian economic growth and also ensure Cambodia's ability to overcome future challenges.
The private sector has also played a crucial role in boosting tourism in Cambodia and responded to the government’s rallying call for cooperation. Jacques Guichandut of All Dreams Cambodia said that “…launching campaigns with popular brands attached as sponsors offering prizes to be won could help boost local tourism. We have seen the growth of international tourism in Q1 2023, and we hope this continues buoyed by a return to pre-COVID levels within a couple of years.”
With the combined efforts from the government, support from international organisations and the private sector, Cambodia is set for positive growth in its tourism industry which in turn will help drive economic growth. Strategic reforms, enhanced competitiveness, and sustainable practices will allow Cambodia to establish a resilient and thriving tourism sector that will aid in the overall development of the Kingdom.
As the country progresses on its path to recovery, travellers can look forward to once again experiencing Cambodia's history, culture, and natural wonders as well as its warm hospitality.
Travel & Tourism in Cambodia Exploring Cambodian Travel & Tourism Post-Pandemic
Cambodia was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the global lockdown halted the progress made by the tourism industry, impacting the livelihood of the vast majority of Cambodians who rely on tourism for their income.
The popular Southeast Asian country has relied on its rich history, culture, and natural wonders, to be an attractive destination for travellers from around the globe.
Post-pandemic, there is renewed hope for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism industry. The Cambodian government has made dedicated efforts to revive this crucial economic pillar and since tourism has resumed post-COVID-19, the relevant authorities have been proactive in enabling tourism to flourish once again.
We will explore the latest trends in travel to the Kingdom of Cambodia, reviewing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Drawing on insights from the recent Consumer Report Cambodia 2023, conducted in collaboration with local agency Standard Insights and based on responses from over 1,000 Cambodians, we evaluate Cambodians’ current attitudes toward travel as well as the current developments in Cambodia's revived tourism sector.
There are many unique and incredible experiences for adventurous travellers in the Kingdom of Cambodia, but among the most popular are its ancient temples.
The magnificent and captivating Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural icon, is located to the northwest of the country, closely situated to Siem Reap. This ancient temple complex attracts global visitors who are astounded by the size, inequity and grandeur of the Khmer Empire. With such an abundant collection of ancient temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan, each showcases beautiful stone carvings and provides clues into discovering Cambodia's rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Cambodia is also a land of stunning natural landscapes, from the coast to the south, the agricultural heartlands in the centre, and rolling mountains to the northeast and south.
The largest coastal city of Sihanoukville, which is undergoing a transformation, attracts visitors to its beaches and is a gateway to the tropical and unspoiled islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The Cardamom Mountains' rugged beauty is perfect for nature lovers as there is an abundance of tropical forests as well as diverse wildlife.
Culturally, Cambodia's warm and hospitable people are well-known for their friendliness and ever-present smiles which help contribute to the country's charm.
For visitors, the country allows for an immersive experience and interactions to better understand the local culture and the generally good English and French language skills allow for easy interaction with the locals. Time can be spent exploring traditional markets, and sampling delicious Khmer cuisine.
One of the major attractions remains Cambodia's affordability compared to other tourist destinations in the region and the dual use of the US Dollar and the local Riel are benefits to the budget-conscious traveller.
According to the recently released report, more than a third (35.13%) of respondents chose Cambodia as their top choice for an ideal travel destination in Asia. This preference cuts across all genders, age ranges, and locations. Japan secured the second spot with 14.77%, closely followed by neighbouring Thailand, with 14.37% of the votes.
Tourism remains one of the core economic pillars of Cambodia and thus is a key focus of the Cambodian government's socio-economic development strategy.
In 2019, Cambodia welcomed a record-breaking 11.32 million domestic tourists, while international visitor numbers reached 6.61 million. This represented a 6.6% increase from the previous year and was the final full year pre-pandemic.
The tourism sector employs among the largest workforce in Cambodia and has played a significant role in job creation, with as many as 630,000 working in tourism, while contributing 12.1% to the country's GDP. The service sector is expected to experience among the highest growth rates as the country surges post-pandemic.
Cambodia’s tourism sector, which was mirrored globally, was severely impacted when the global pandemic forced the closure of borders and stringent travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in international arrivals. By 2020, Cambodia recorded only 1.31 million tourist arrivals, with 1.15 million visitors in Q1 - indicating how much of a drop off there was in the year and arrivals dropping as much as 80% compared to 2019!
Despite a challenging two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Cambodia has been showing signs of recovery since the successful rollout of vaccines and ad international borders lifted the restrictions and international flights aim to return to pre-pandemic levels.
By 2022, Cambodia had received 2.2 million international visitors, while 2.57 million international visitors arrived in the first half of 2023 alone, indicating the sharp increase post-pandemic. The Cambodian government has a target of 4.5 million international tourists in 2023.
This growth reflects the renewed confidence of travellers visiting Cambodia's cultural and natural attractions.
Although there is an undeniable upward trajectory in Cambodia’s tourism sector numbers, there is still an air of caution among people when it comes to travel.
The report echoed this as close to half (44.1%) of Cambodians do not feel safe when it comes to travelling currently, and only 22.96% expressed a sense of feeling safe while travelling.
Among the concerns regarding travel in 2023, a significant majority of Cambodian respondents (65.5%) indicated that health and safety were top of the list, and there remained apprehensions surrounding COVID-19 despite the country's successful vaccination efforts.
There is also growing unease about the escalating costs (35.1%) associated with travel in 2023, which have been driven upwards by inflation, and due to rising demand as the travel sector has seen a surge. The rising prices of transportation, accommodation, and other travel expenses result in ongoing financial concerns for individuals, particularly those with limited budgets.
Read more: Soaring Concern Over Inflation in Cambodia
These multifaceted concerns highlight the challenges that still lie ahead for the tourism sectors and for those planning to embark on journeys domestically in Cambodia and overseas.
The Cambodian government has and is actively implementing a range of comprehensive plans and strategies to ensure the tourism sector rebounds strongly. This will aid the economic growth of the Kingdom following COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Cambodia's economy is projected to grow at a rate of 5.5% in 2023 and 6.0% in 2024, mainly driven by the recovery of tourism and the services sector. The recovery of the tourism sector will also result in the growth of trade, transport, and communications.
To achieve a sustainable and competitive tourism industry, the Cambodian government introduced a roadmap for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism sector from 2020 to 2025. Among the measures are plans to develop new tourism products, provide training to enhance the skills of the workforce, and also offer more tourism diversity and ecotourism.
The goal is to attract higher-value tourism and improve Cambodia's global competitiveness.
Cambodia has also received significant support from the World Bank which recently approved a USD $274 million credit for the Cambodia Growth and Resilience Development Policy Operation. This type of financing will support reforms to stimulate Cambodian economic growth and also ensure Cambodia's ability to overcome future challenges.
The private sector has also played a crucial role in boosting tourism in Cambodia and responded to the government’s rallying call for cooperation. Jacques Guichandut of All Dreams Cambodia said that “…launching campaigns with popular brands attached as sponsors offering prizes to be won could help boost local tourism. We have seen the growth of international tourism in Q1 2023, and we hope this continues buoyed by a return to pre-COVID levels within a couple of years.”
With the combined efforts from the government, support from international organisations and the private sector, Cambodia is set for positive growth in its tourism industry which in turn will help drive economic growth. Strategic reforms, enhanced competitiveness, and sustainable practices will allow Cambodia to establish a resilient and thriving tourism sector that will aid in the overall development of the Kingdom.
As the country progresses on its path to recovery, travellers can look forward to once again experiencing Cambodia's history, culture, and natural wonders as well as its warm hospitality.
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Travel & Tourism in Cambodia Exploring Cambodian Travel & Tourism Post-Pandemic
Cambodia was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the global lockdown halted the progress made by the tourism industry, impacting the livelihood of the vast majority of Cambodians who rely on tourism for their income.
The popular Southeast Asian country has relied on its rich history, culture, and natural wonders, to be an attractive destination for travellers from around the globe.
Post-pandemic, there is renewed hope for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism industry. The Cambodian government has made dedicated efforts to revive this crucial economic pillar and since tourism has resumed post-COVID-19, the relevant authorities have been proactive in enabling tourism to flourish once again.
We will explore the latest trends in travel to the Kingdom of Cambodia, reviewing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Drawing on insights from the recent Consumer Report Cambodia 2023, conducted in collaboration with local agency Standard Insights and based on responses from over 1,000 Cambodians, we evaluate Cambodians’ current attitudes toward travel as well as the current developments in Cambodia's revived tourism sector.
There are many unique and incredible experiences for adventurous travellers in the Kingdom of Cambodia, but among the most popular are its ancient temples.
The magnificent and captivating Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural icon, is located to the northwest of the country, closely situated to Siem Reap. This ancient temple complex attracts global visitors who are astounded by the size, inequity and grandeur of the Khmer Empire. With such an abundant collection of ancient temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan, each showcases beautiful stone carvings and provides clues into discovering Cambodia's rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Cambodia is also a land of stunning natural landscapes, from the coast to the south, the agricultural heartlands in the centre, and rolling mountains to the northeast and south.
The largest coastal city of Sihanoukville, which is undergoing a transformation, attracts visitors to its beaches and is a gateway to the tropical and unspoiled islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The Cardamom Mountains' rugged beauty is perfect for nature lovers as there is an abundance of tropical forests as well as diverse wildlife.
Culturally, Cambodia's warm and hospitable people are well-known for their friendliness and ever-present smiles which help contribute to the country's charm.
For visitors, the country allows for an immersive experience and interactions to better understand the local culture and the generally good English and French language skills allow for easy interaction with the locals. Time can be spent exploring traditional markets, and sampling delicious Khmer cuisine.
One of the major attractions remains Cambodia's affordability compared to other tourist destinations in the region and the dual use of the US Dollar and the local Riel are benefits to the budget-conscious traveller.
According to the recently released report, more than a third (35.13%) of respondents chose Cambodia as their top choice for an ideal travel destination in Asia. This preference cuts across all genders, age ranges, and locations. Japan secured the second spot with 14.77%, closely followed by neighbouring Thailand, with 14.37% of the votes.
Tourism remains one of the core economic pillars of Cambodia and thus is a key focus of the Cambodian government's socio-economic development strategy.
In 2019, Cambodia welcomed a record-breaking 11.32 million domestic tourists, while international visitor numbers reached 6.61 million. This represented a 6.6% increase from the previous year and was the final full year pre-pandemic.
The tourism sector employs among the largest workforce in Cambodia and has played a significant role in job creation, with as many as 630,000 working in tourism, while contributing 12.1% to the country's GDP. The service sector is expected to experience among the highest growth rates as the country surges post-pandemic.
Cambodia’s tourism sector, which was mirrored globally, was severely impacted when the global pandemic forced the closure of borders and stringent travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in international arrivals. By 2020, Cambodia recorded only 1.31 million tourist arrivals, with 1.15 million visitors in Q1 - indicating how much of a drop off there was in the year and arrivals dropping as much as 80% compared to 2019!
Despite a challenging two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Cambodia has been showing signs of recovery since the successful rollout of vaccines and ad international borders lifted the restrictions and international flights aim to return to pre-pandemic levels.
By 2022, Cambodia had received 2.2 million international visitors, while 2.57 million international visitors arrived in the first half of 2023 alone, indicating the sharp increase post-pandemic. The Cambodian government has a target of 4.5 million international tourists in 2023.
This growth reflects the renewed confidence of travellers visiting Cambodia's cultural and natural attractions.
Although there is an undeniable upward trajectory in Cambodia’s tourism sector numbers, there is still an air of caution among people when it comes to travel.
The report echoed this as close to half (44.1%) of Cambodians do not feel safe when it comes to travelling currently, and only 22.96% expressed a sense of feeling safe while travelling.
Among the concerns regarding travel in 2023, a significant majority of Cambodian respondents (65.5%) indicated that health and safety were top of the list, and there remained apprehensions surrounding COVID-19 despite the country's successful vaccination efforts.
There is also growing unease about the escalating costs (35.1%) associated with travel in 2023, which have been driven upwards by inflation, and due to rising demand as the travel sector has seen a surge. The rising prices of transportation, accommodation, and other travel expenses result in ongoing financial concerns for individuals, particularly those with limited budgets.
Read more: Soaring Concern Over Inflation in Cambodia
These multifaceted concerns highlight the challenges that still lie ahead for the tourism sectors and for those planning to embark on journeys domestically in Cambodia and overseas.
The Cambodian government has and is actively implementing a range of comprehensive plans and strategies to ensure the tourism sector rebounds strongly. This will aid the economic growth of the Kingdom following COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Cambodia's economy is projected to grow at a rate of 5.5% in 2023 and 6.0% in 2024, mainly driven by the recovery of tourism and the services sector. The recovery of the tourism sector will also result in the growth of trade, transport, and communications.
To achieve a sustainable and competitive tourism industry, the Cambodian government introduced a roadmap for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism sector from 2020 to 2025. Among the measures are plans to develop new tourism products, provide training to enhance the skills of the workforce, and also offer more tourism diversity and ecotourism.
The goal is to attract higher-value tourism and improve Cambodia's global competitiveness.
Cambodia has also received significant support from the World Bank which recently approved a USD $274 million credit for the Cambodia Growth and Resilience Development Policy Operation. This type of financing will support reforms to stimulate Cambodian economic growth and also ensure Cambodia's ability to overcome future challenges.
The private sector has also played a crucial role in boosting tourism in Cambodia and responded to the government’s rallying call for cooperation. Jacques Guichandut of All Dreams Cambodia said that “…launching campaigns with popular brands attached as sponsors offering prizes to be won could help boost local tourism. We have seen the growth of international tourism in Q1 2023, and we hope this continues buoyed by a return to pre-COVID levels within a couple of years.”
With the combined efforts from the government, support from international organisations and the private sector, Cambodia is set for positive growth in its tourism industry which in turn will help drive economic growth. Strategic reforms, enhanced competitiveness, and sustainable practices will allow Cambodia to establish a resilient and thriving tourism sector that will aid in the overall development of the Kingdom.
As the country progresses on its path to recovery, travellers can look forward to once again experiencing Cambodia's history, culture, and natural wonders as well as its warm hospitality.
Travel & Tourism in Cambodia Exploring Cambodian Travel & Tourism Post-Pandemic
Cambodia was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the global lockdown halted the progress made by the tourism industry, impacting the livelihood of the vast majority of Cambodians who rely on tourism for their income.
The popular Southeast Asian country has relied on its rich history, culture, and natural wonders, to be an attractive destination for travellers from around the globe.
Post-pandemic, there is renewed hope for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism industry. The Cambodian government has made dedicated efforts to revive this crucial economic pillar and since tourism has resumed post-COVID-19, the relevant authorities have been proactive in enabling tourism to flourish once again.
We will explore the latest trends in travel to the Kingdom of Cambodia, reviewing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Drawing on insights from the recent Consumer Report Cambodia 2023, conducted in collaboration with local agency Standard Insights and based on responses from over 1,000 Cambodians, we evaluate Cambodians’ current attitudes toward travel as well as the current developments in Cambodia's revived tourism sector.
There are many unique and incredible experiences for adventurous travellers in the Kingdom of Cambodia, but among the most popular are its ancient temples.
The magnificent and captivating Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural icon, is located to the northwest of the country, closely situated to Siem Reap. This ancient temple complex attracts global visitors who are astounded by the size, inequity and grandeur of the Khmer Empire. With such an abundant collection of ancient temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan, each showcases beautiful stone carvings and provides clues into discovering Cambodia's rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Cambodia is also a land of stunning natural landscapes, from the coast to the south, the agricultural heartlands in the centre, and rolling mountains to the northeast and south.
The largest coastal city of Sihanoukville, which is undergoing a transformation, attracts visitors to its beaches and is a gateway to the tropical and unspoiled islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The Cardamom Mountains' rugged beauty is perfect for nature lovers as there is an abundance of tropical forests as well as diverse wildlife.
Culturally, Cambodia's warm and hospitable people are well-known for their friendliness and ever-present smiles which help contribute to the country's charm.
For visitors, the country allows for an immersive experience and interactions to better understand the local culture and the generally good English and French language skills allow for easy interaction with the locals. Time can be spent exploring traditional markets, and sampling delicious Khmer cuisine.
One of the major attractions remains Cambodia's affordability compared to other tourist destinations in the region and the dual use of the US Dollar and the local Riel are benefits to the budget-conscious traveller.
According to the recently released report, more than a third (35.13%) of respondents chose Cambodia as their top choice for an ideal travel destination in Asia. This preference cuts across all genders, age ranges, and locations. Japan secured the second spot with 14.77%, closely followed by neighbouring Thailand, with 14.37% of the votes.
Tourism remains one of the core economic pillars of Cambodia and thus is a key focus of the Cambodian government's socio-economic development strategy.
In 2019, Cambodia welcomed a record-breaking 11.32 million domestic tourists, while international visitor numbers reached 6.61 million. This represented a 6.6% increase from the previous year and was the final full year pre-pandemic.
The tourism sector employs among the largest workforce in Cambodia and has played a significant role in job creation, with as many as 630,000 working in tourism, while contributing 12.1% to the country's GDP. The service sector is expected to experience among the highest growth rates as the country surges post-pandemic.
Cambodia’s tourism sector, which was mirrored globally, was severely impacted when the global pandemic forced the closure of borders and stringent travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in international arrivals. By 2020, Cambodia recorded only 1.31 million tourist arrivals, with 1.15 million visitors in Q1 - indicating how much of a drop off there was in the year and arrivals dropping as much as 80% compared to 2019!
Despite a challenging two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Cambodia has been showing signs of recovery since the successful rollout of vaccines and ad international borders lifted the restrictions and international flights aim to return to pre-pandemic levels.
By 2022, Cambodia had received 2.2 million international visitors, while 2.57 million international visitors arrived in the first half of 2023 alone, indicating the sharp increase post-pandemic. The Cambodian government has a target of 4.5 million international tourists in 2023.
This growth reflects the renewed confidence of travellers visiting Cambodia's cultural and natural attractions.
Although there is an undeniable upward trajectory in Cambodia’s tourism sector numbers, there is still an air of caution among people when it comes to travel.
The report echoed this as close to half (44.1%) of Cambodians do not feel safe when it comes to travelling currently, and only 22.96% expressed a sense of feeling safe while travelling.
Among the concerns regarding travel in 2023, a significant majority of Cambodian respondents (65.5%) indicated that health and safety were top of the list, and there remained apprehensions surrounding COVID-19 despite the country's successful vaccination efforts.
There is also growing unease about the escalating costs (35.1%) associated with travel in 2023, which have been driven upwards by inflation, and due to rising demand as the travel sector has seen a surge. The rising prices of transportation, accommodation, and other travel expenses result in ongoing financial concerns for individuals, particularly those with limited budgets.
Read more: Soaring Concern Over Inflation in Cambodia
These multifaceted concerns highlight the challenges that still lie ahead for the tourism sectors and for those planning to embark on journeys domestically in Cambodia and overseas.
The Cambodian government has and is actively implementing a range of comprehensive plans and strategies to ensure the tourism sector rebounds strongly. This will aid the economic growth of the Kingdom following COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Cambodia's economy is projected to grow at a rate of 5.5% in 2023 and 6.0% in 2024, mainly driven by the recovery of tourism and the services sector. The recovery of the tourism sector will also result in the growth of trade, transport, and communications.
To achieve a sustainable and competitive tourism industry, the Cambodian government introduced a roadmap for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism sector from 2020 to 2025. Among the measures are plans to develop new tourism products, provide training to enhance the skills of the workforce, and also offer more tourism diversity and ecotourism.
The goal is to attract higher-value tourism and improve Cambodia's global competitiveness.
Cambodia has also received significant support from the World Bank which recently approved a USD $274 million credit for the Cambodia Growth and Resilience Development Policy Operation. This type of financing will support reforms to stimulate Cambodian economic growth and also ensure Cambodia's ability to overcome future challenges.
The private sector has also played a crucial role in boosting tourism in Cambodia and responded to the government’s rallying call for cooperation. Jacques Guichandut of All Dreams Cambodia said that “…launching campaigns with popular brands attached as sponsors offering prizes to be won could help boost local tourism. We have seen the growth of international tourism in Q1 2023, and we hope this continues buoyed by a return to pre-COVID levels within a couple of years.”
With the combined efforts from the government, support from international organisations and the private sector, Cambodia is set for positive growth in its tourism industry which in turn will help drive economic growth. Strategic reforms, enhanced competitiveness, and sustainable practices will allow Cambodia to establish a resilient and thriving tourism sector that will aid in the overall development of the Kingdom.
As the country progresses on its path to recovery, travellers can look forward to once again experiencing Cambodia's history, culture, and natural wonders as well as its warm hospitality.
Travel & Tourism in Cambodia Exploring Cambodian Travel & Tourism Post-Pandemic
Cambodia was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the global lockdown halted the progress made by the tourism industry, impacting the livelihood of the vast majority of Cambodians who rely on tourism for their income.
The popular Southeast Asian country has relied on its rich history, culture, and natural wonders, to be an attractive destination for travellers from around the globe.
Post-pandemic, there is renewed hope for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism industry. The Cambodian government has made dedicated efforts to revive this crucial economic pillar and since tourism has resumed post-COVID-19, the relevant authorities have been proactive in enabling tourism to flourish once again.
We will explore the latest trends in travel to the Kingdom of Cambodia, reviewing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Drawing on insights from the recent Consumer Report Cambodia 2023, conducted in collaboration with local agency Standard Insights and based on responses from over 1,000 Cambodians, we evaluate Cambodians’ current attitudes toward travel as well as the current developments in Cambodia's revived tourism sector.
There are many unique and incredible experiences for adventurous travellers in the Kingdom of Cambodia, but among the most popular are its ancient temples.
The magnificent and captivating Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural icon, is located to the northwest of the country, closely situated to Siem Reap. This ancient temple complex attracts global visitors who are astounded by the size, inequity and grandeur of the Khmer Empire. With such an abundant collection of ancient temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan, each showcases beautiful stone carvings and provides clues into discovering Cambodia's rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Cambodia is also a land of stunning natural landscapes, from the coast to the south, the agricultural heartlands in the centre, and rolling mountains to the northeast and south.
The largest coastal city of Sihanoukville, which is undergoing a transformation, attracts visitors to its beaches and is a gateway to the tropical and unspoiled islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The Cardamom Mountains' rugged beauty is perfect for nature lovers as there is an abundance of tropical forests as well as diverse wildlife.
Culturally, Cambodia's warm and hospitable people are well-known for their friendliness and ever-present smiles which help contribute to the country's charm.
For visitors, the country allows for an immersive experience and interactions to better understand the local culture and the generally good English and French language skills allow for easy interaction with the locals. Time can be spent exploring traditional markets, and sampling delicious Khmer cuisine.
One of the major attractions remains Cambodia's affordability compared to other tourist destinations in the region and the dual use of the US Dollar and the local Riel are benefits to the budget-conscious traveller.
According to the recently released report, more than a third (35.13%) of respondents chose Cambodia as their top choice for an ideal travel destination in Asia. This preference cuts across all genders, age ranges, and locations. Japan secured the second spot with 14.77%, closely followed by neighbouring Thailand, with 14.37% of the votes.
Tourism remains one of the core economic pillars of Cambodia and thus is a key focus of the Cambodian government's socio-economic development strategy.
In 2019, Cambodia welcomed a record-breaking 11.32 million domestic tourists, while international visitor numbers reached 6.61 million. This represented a 6.6% increase from the previous year and was the final full year pre-pandemic.
The tourism sector employs among the largest workforce in Cambodia and has played a significant role in job creation, with as many as 630,000 working in tourism, while contributing 12.1% to the country's GDP. The service sector is expected to experience among the highest growth rates as the country surges post-pandemic.
Cambodia’s tourism sector, which was mirrored globally, was severely impacted when the global pandemic forced the closure of borders and stringent travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in international arrivals. By 2020, Cambodia recorded only 1.31 million tourist arrivals, with 1.15 million visitors in Q1 - indicating how much of a drop off there was in the year and arrivals dropping as much as 80% compared to 2019!
Despite a challenging two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Cambodia has been showing signs of recovery since the successful rollout of vaccines and ad international borders lifted the restrictions and international flights aim to return to pre-pandemic levels.
By 2022, Cambodia had received 2.2 million international visitors, while 2.57 million international visitors arrived in the first half of 2023 alone, indicating the sharp increase post-pandemic. The Cambodian government has a target of 4.5 million international tourists in 2023.
This growth reflects the renewed confidence of travellers visiting Cambodia's cultural and natural attractions.
Although there is an undeniable upward trajectory in Cambodia’s tourism sector numbers, there is still an air of caution among people when it comes to travel.
The report echoed this as close to half (44.1%) of Cambodians do not feel safe when it comes to travelling currently, and only 22.96% expressed a sense of feeling safe while travelling.
Among the concerns regarding travel in 2023, a significant majority of Cambodian respondents (65.5%) indicated that health and safety were top of the list, and there remained apprehensions surrounding COVID-19 despite the country's successful vaccination efforts.
There is also growing unease about the escalating costs (35.1%) associated with travel in 2023, which have been driven upwards by inflation, and due to rising demand as the travel sector has seen a surge. The rising prices of transportation, accommodation, and other travel expenses result in ongoing financial concerns for individuals, particularly those with limited budgets.
Read more: Soaring Concern Over Inflation in Cambodia
These multifaceted concerns highlight the challenges that still lie ahead for the tourism sectors and for those planning to embark on journeys domestically in Cambodia and overseas.
The Cambodian government has and is actively implementing a range of comprehensive plans and strategies to ensure the tourism sector rebounds strongly. This will aid the economic growth of the Kingdom following COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Cambodia's economy is projected to grow at a rate of 5.5% in 2023 and 6.0% in 2024, mainly driven by the recovery of tourism and the services sector. The recovery of the tourism sector will also result in the growth of trade, transport, and communications.
To achieve a sustainable and competitive tourism industry, the Cambodian government introduced a roadmap for the recovery of Cambodia's tourism sector from 2020 to 2025. Among the measures are plans to develop new tourism products, provide training to enhance the skills of the workforce, and also offer more tourism diversity and ecotourism.
The goal is to attract higher-value tourism and improve Cambodia's global competitiveness.
Cambodia has also received significant support from the World Bank which recently approved a USD $274 million credit for the Cambodia Growth and Resilience Development Policy Operation. This type of financing will support reforms to stimulate Cambodian economic growth and also ensure Cambodia's ability to overcome future challenges.
The private sector has also played a crucial role in boosting tourism in Cambodia and responded to the government’s rallying call for cooperation. Jacques Guichandut of All Dreams Cambodia said that “…launching campaigns with popular brands attached as sponsors offering prizes to be won could help boost local tourism. We have seen the growth of international tourism in Q1 2023, and we hope this continues buoyed by a return to pre-COVID levels within a couple of years.”
With the combined efforts from the government, support from international organisations and the private sector, Cambodia is set for positive growth in its tourism industry which in turn will help drive economic growth. Strategic reforms, enhanced competitiveness, and sustainable practices will allow Cambodia to establish a resilient and thriving tourism sector that will aid in the overall development of the Kingdom.
As the country progresses on its path to recovery, travellers can look forward to once again experiencing Cambodia's history, culture, and natural wonders as well as its warm hospitality.
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