Angkor Enterprise, the state-run enterprise in Cambodia, has reported a significant leap in revenue from ticket sales to international tourists at the Angkor Archaeological Park. In January 2024, the park welcomed 115,532 foreign visitors, marking a 49.2% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge in visitors has led to a revenue increase of 50.9%, reaching a total of $5.5 million.
Angkor Park Fails to Meet Pre-Pandemic Levels
Despite this significant growth, the park’s revenue and visitor numbers have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. In January 2019, the park saw a revenue of $12.38 million from 271,050 tickets. However, the current numbers still represent a marked improvement and show a positive trend towards recovery for Cambodia’s tourism industry.
Additional Revenue from Nearby Attractions
Additional income was also generated from ticket sales at the Koh Ker temple and boat tickets at Chong Kneas floating village. These attractions, while not as prominent as Angkor Park, contribute to the overall revenue of the tourism industry in the region.
Change in Tourist Demographics
Industry leaders such as Anheng Sokpheak from the Cambodia Chinese Tour Guide Association and Khieu Thy from the Khmer Angkor Tourist Guide Association have observed an increase in European visitors. Interestingly, there has been a noticeable change in the demographic pattern of tourists, with fewer Chinese visitors than before 2020.
Efforts to Enhance Tourism Sites
The tourism sector, while still below pre-pandemic statistics, presents a positive trend. In 2023, Angkor Park witnessed a 177.63% increase in foreign tourists compared to 2022, with overall earnings rising by 222.68%. Efforts are underway to enhance tourist sites and attract more foreign visitors to Cambodia. These include improving ecological security, sanitation standards, and the quality of souvenir products on offer.
Angkor Enterprise, established in 2016 and operating under the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Economy and Finance, manages ticket sales for Angkor Park, Chong Kneas, and Koh Ker. It offers tiered ticket pricing for one, three, or seven-day visits to the park.
