Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has acknowledged a sharp decline in international tourist arrivals and is actively seeking feedback from experts, tourism operators, content creators, and the public to revive the sector.
The ministry recognized the difficulties faced by businesses and individuals relying on tourism and responded to public scrutiny over its handling of recent challenges. The ministry stated, “The ministry remains open to receiving feedback and suggestions from experts, tourism operators, content creators and the public.”
Tourist Arrivals Statistics and Source Markets
International arrivals in Cambodia dropped to about 2.25 million in the first eight months of 2026, representing a 44.4 percent decrease compared to the
same period in 2025. China, Vietnam, and the United States were the top three inbound markets during this period.
In 2025, Cambodia recorded 5.5 million international visitors, a decline of nearly 17 percent from 2024. Despite the decline in arrivals, tourism revenue increased to an estimated $3.7 billion in 2025, a 3 percent rise compared to the previous year, according to the National Bank of Cambodia.
Government Interventions to Revive Tourism
In response to multiple crises affecting the sector, the Cambodian government introduced a comprehensive intervention program, which includes a recovery promotion initiative focused on Siem Reap province. Alongside this, six key strategies are being
implemented to enhance domestic tourism and diversify international tourism markets.
The Ministry of Tourism is also promoting the “Visit Cambodia during Green Season” campaign as part of efforts to attract visitors during off-peak periods and to bolster the tourism industry.
Prime Minister’s Directive to Diversify Tourism Offerings
On October 1, 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet tasked Tourism Minister Huot Hak with unlocking the full potential of Cambodia’s tourism sector. The Prime Minister emphasized diversifying the country’s tourism brand beyond its temples and cultural heritage to include destinations such as islands, mountains, and ecotourism.
The ministry has pledged transparency by committing to regularly inform the public about tourism
developments, implemented measures, and verifiable results to enable informed assessments.
The ministry’s openness to feedback followed a public forum on tourism aired on the “Chakho Podcast” YouTube channel, which featured discussions with individuals including tour operator Vong Sophal and campaigner Tiv Dararith.
