Tourism leaders call for year-round destination campaigns beyond Angkor equinox

PHNOM PENH, 2 March 2026 (KPT) – As Cambodia prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to witness the upcoming equinox phenomenon at Angkor Wat, tourism leaders are urging broader, year-round marketing strategies rather than reliance on seasonal flagship events.

The equinox, occurring twice annually around 21–23 March and 21–23 September, creates a striking spectacle as the rising sun aligns with Angkor Wat’s central tower between 5:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. The phenomenon has become one of Cambodia’s most anticipated cultural highlights, drawing large crowds of domestic and international tourists.

Speaking ahead of the March event, Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, said stakeholders should move beyond dependence on well-known seasonal attractions.

“We should not rely only on two existing and already well-known events. Instead, we should create new attractions that can become regular tourism products,” he said.

Sinan emphasised the need for coordinated destination campaigns promoting Cambodia as a diverse, year-round destination. He noted that his association has already begun implementing such initiatives and is seeking funding to expand them.

Last week, the Ministry of Tourism highlighted that the solar alignment demonstrates the architectural brilliance and astronomical knowledge of the ancient Khmer civilisation, reflecting sophisticated temple design and spiritual symbolism.

While the equinox remains a powerful draw, industry observers say diversifying tourism offerings – including cultural, eco-tourism, culinary and community-based experiences – will be crucial to stabilising arrivals and strengthening resilience amid global travel uncertainties.

As thousands are expected to gather at Angkor Wat’s western entrance later this month, tourism leaders hope the spectacle will inspire awe and spark a broader push toward sustainable and innovative destination development.