Cambodia Welcomes 1 Million Tourists in Q1, But Arrivals Fall Sharply Amid Regional Pressures

By Deth Leng

PHNOM PENH, May 25, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia welcomed about 1 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2026, but arrivals plunged nearly 49 percent compared to the same period last year as regional tensions and reputational challenges weighed heavily on the sector, official data showed Sunday.

The Ministry of Tourism said foreign visitor numbers fell sharply from early 2025, underscoring the impact of geopolitical instability and negative perceptions linked to online scam allegations.

Thourn Sinan, President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter, said the industry had already faced significant pressure in 2025. “Geopolitical issues are unfolding globally, and anything can happen at any time,” he noted, adding that regional instability has eroded traveler confidence and disrupted flows.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak said the government and industry experts have prepared three growth scenarios for 2026. Under the most conservative outlook, arrivals could reach 4.6–4.8 million. A partial improvement in border conditions could lift numbers to 5.3–5.5 million, while full normalization could bring 6.1–6.3 million visitors.

Cambodia received 5.57 million international tourists in 2025, a decline of 16.7 percent from 2024. Yet tourism revenue rose 6.6 percent to nearly US$3.9 billion, reflecting higher spending and longer stays.

Officials remain cautiously optimistic that recovery is possible if regional conditions stabilize, stressing that tourism remains a vital driver of Cambodia’s economy and a key sector for employment and growth.