(ANN/THE PHNOM PENH POST) – Cambodia’s tourism sector received a significant boost in 2023, with nearly 5.5 million foreign tourists visiting the country and generating over USD3 billion in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
This marked a substantial increase of 139.5 per cent in tourist arrivals and a remarkable 115 per cent surge in revenue compared to the previous year. On average, each foreign tourist spent at least seven days in Cambodia.
Anheng Sokpheak, president of the Cambodia Chinese Tour Guide Association (CCTGA), told The Post on February 13 that the conclusion of the COVID-19 crisis has led to a marked increase in tourist arrivals in 2023, compared to 2022. He anticipates even higher numbers this year.
He emphasised the crucial role of foreign tourists in creating jobs and boosting the national economy.
He noted, however, that the influx of Chinese tourists, who previously outnumbered other nationalities, remains modest.
“As tour guides, we are optimistic that Cambodia will welcome increasing numbers of tourists, especially from China. This is particularly likely as the two governments have declared 2024 a year of cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” Sokpheak stated.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), commented that the easing of the COVID-19 crisis has reinvigorated global tourism and investment.
She also highlighted the government’s efforts, through the ministry and other stakeholders, in implementing measures to attract more foreign guests.
Sivlin added that the government has revised the sub-decree on the “Organisation and Functioning of the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board” to enhance its effectiveness in drawing foreigners.
“When all stakeholders collaborate to promote tourism, offering excellent hospitality, diverse entertainment venues and a range of tourism products, Cambodia stands a great chance of attracting more foreign visitors. This will, in turn, increase international tourism revenues,” she asserted.
On January 13, the government, through the ministry, inaugurated the 2024 Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year, at the Terrace of the Elephants within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province.
At the opening ceremony, tourism minister Sok Soken expressed his firm belief that the initiative would be a driving force for the growth of tourism and foreign investment, especially from China
According to the ministry, 2019 was a record year for tourism in the Kingdom, with 11.3 million domestic tourists, a 2.3 per cent increase from 2018, and 6.61 million international visitors, a rise of 6.6 per cent. Revenue from international tourists stood at USD4.92 billion, contributing 12.1 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) that year.
