Phnom Penh: Cambodia recorded over 1.83 million international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 16 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to a report released today by the Ministry of Tourism. The rise in tourist numbers reflects a continued recovery in regional and global travel despite ongoing global economic uncertainty.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Thailand remained the top source of international tourists, with 501,666 visitors, followed by Vietnam with 304,634 and China with 286,256. Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak highlighted the sector’s resilience during remarks at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Annual Tourism Meeting held on February 27. He noted that Cambodia’s tourism industry has gradually rebounded over the past two years after facing severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In 2024, Cambodia welcomed a total of 6.7 million international tourists, representing a 23 percent increase from 2023. Domestic tourism also grew, with 22.52 million local travelers recorded, showing a 20 percent rise year-on-year. The ministry forecasts that international tourism revenue will reach approximately US$5.1 billion in 2025, contributing an estimated 10.5 percent to the country’s GDP.
As Cambodia enters the Green Season, which runs from April to October and typically sees fewer visitors, H.E. Huot Hak called on private sector partners to collaborate in creating attractive tourism products and cultural events to boost visitor numbers during this period. To support this initiative, the Ministry of Tourism is working closely with other ministries, sub-national authorities, and private stakeholders to implement targeted strategies aimed at sustaining growth in the sector.