AmCham Urges Tourism Incentives Amid Border Conflict Fallout

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Agu, 26) — The American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia met with Minister of Tourism Hout Hak on Aug. 22 to discuss urgent measures to support the country’s tourism sector, which has been hit by the recent border conflict.

Led by AmCham President Casey Barnett, the delegation raised six key recommendations during the meeting at the Ministry of Tourism, including calls for financial incentives, visa reforms and improved promotional efforts.

AmCham extended its appreciation to the member companies that joined the delegation, including Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh, TRIBE Phnom Penh, Shangri-La Phnom Penh, Baitong Hotel & Resort, Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Central Mansions, IAAC Cambodia, Luxelite Group and EHM, Delta | Korean Airline, OCIC Group and DFDL.

AmCham said the conflict had triggered widespread booking cancellations and a steep drop in new reservations. The chamber urged the government to introduce incentives to stabilize the sector. Hout Hak said proposals had been submitted to the prime minister and the Ministry of Economy and Finance but did not disclose specific measures.

The chamber also recommended a six-month visa-free travel scheme to attract international visitors. If not feasible, AmCham proposed a pilot program for U.S. tourists, citing the United States’ role in facilitating a cease-fire. Sok Soken acknowledged the request but said visa policy changes would require coordination across multiple ministries.

AmCham emphasized the need for targeted marketing to counter negative publicity and promote Phnom Penh as a destination. The chamber suggested aligning campaigns with air routes and engaging U.S. state tourism boards, particularly in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Southern California.

Hout Hak, who also chairs the Cambodian Tourism Board, said future campaigns would highlight Angkor, the northeast, central and coastal regions. He cited budget constraints but said the ministry was working to secure performances by international artists, including Andrea Bocelli.

The chamber also called for centralized tourism data and downloadable reports on the ministry’s website. Sok Soken said a “Visit Cambodia” app was under development to improve data access.

On air connectivity, the minister confirmed new routes from Tokyo to Siem Reap, Calcutta to Phnom Penh and Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh.

AmCham raised concerns about bureaucratic licensing procedures and suggested digitizing applications. Sok Soken said digitization efforts were underway but did not confirm whether licensing would be included.

The meeting comes as Cambodia’s tourism industry seeks to recover from reputational and operational setbacks linked to the border conflict.

Cambodia welcomed approximately 3.86 million international visitors in the first six months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Tourism. The influx marks a sharp year-on-year increase, driven by expanded flight connectivity and sustained political stability.

Thailand, Vietnam and China remained the top source markets, while arrivals from the United States, France and Japan showed notable growth. Tourism officials credited infrastructure upgrades and targeted promotional campaigns for the sector’s continued rebound. The ministry said it expects full-year arrivals to surpass pre-pandemic levels if current trends hold.