Cambodia Eyes Near-6 Million International Tourists in 2026 as Sector Shows Resilience

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 3, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia expects to receive approximately 5.6 to 5.8 million international tourists in 2026, a figure close to the 5.5 million recorded in 2025, according to a report released by the Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday.

The report noted that Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to gain momentum following national peace, progress across sectors, and deeper regional and global integration, enhancing the country’s standing on the international stage.

Despite facing several challenges in 2025, the tourism sector remained resilient and continued to advance.

Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, said Cambodia faced heavy pressure in 2025 after COVID-19 due to allegations of online scams and tensions with Thailand.

“Geopolitical issues are unfolding around the world. The world has reached an unpredictable stage where anything can happen at any time, and we do not know what tomorrow will bring,” he said.

“Scams are a major obstacle to Cambodia’s economic development, not only to the tourism sector. They erode investor confidence and damage the country’s reputation,” Sinan added. “The government’s actions will significantly help restore global trust in Cambodia.”

The sector saw strong recovery in the first half of 2025, supported by diversification of destinations, increased direct flight connectivity, and the operation of new international airports that strengthened Cambodia’s ability to attract international visitors.

However, from the second half of 2025, two rounds of Cambodia–Thailand armed clashes and online scam crimes in the region affected tourism, slowing growth to 5.1 percent, compared to over 13 percent growth in 2024.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed 5.57 million international tourists in 2025, down 16.9 percent compared to 2024, while domestic tourists reached around 25 million. Tourism revenue reached approximately US$3.7 billion, an increase of 3 percent.

The tourism sector is expected to gain its momentum in 2026 as the Cambodian government has intensified its crackdown on online scams, with thousands of foreign nationals arrested or deported for links to the crime.

According to immigration reports, Cambodia deported more than 13,000 foreigners from 66 nationalities in 2025 for legal violations, many associated with online scam activities. Officials said investigations and deportations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle fraud networks operating inside the country.