Long-Haul Visitors Help Sustain Angkor Tourism Amid Regional Challenges

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 18, 2026 (KPT) – Foreign arrivals to Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park dropped sharply in January, down 36 percent year-on-year, though long-haul markets such as the United States and Europe remained comparatively resilient.

Figures from the Angkor Enterprise show 93,491 international tourists purchased tickets to the UNESCO-listed site last month, generating about US$4.52 million in revenue — a 34.5 percent decline from January 2025.

Tourism representatives attributed the downturn to regional tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, and Cambodia’s ongoing crackdown on online scam networks, which they said has temporarily dampened regional travel sentiment.

Thourn Sinan, President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, said the decline was expected. “We are not surprised by the drop in tourist numbers. Thailand’s invasion has significantly impacted our tourism sector,” he noted, citing safety concerns, geopolitical strains, and the time needed to restore confidence following the cybercrime crackdown.

Despite the overall fall, long-haul markets showed relative stability. The United States led with 14,212 visitors, followed by France (9,895) and the United Kingdom (9,359). Observers said the downturn was more pronounced in Asian markets than in transcontinental segments.

Beyond Angkor, Koh Ker generated the highest additional revenue, earning over US$32,000 from 2,161 visitors.

The Ministry of Tourism forecasts international arrivals of between 5.6 and 5.8 million in 2026, close to the 5.57 million recorded last year. Officials said intensified marketing and stronger law enforcement against cybercrime are aimed at restoring traveler confidence and sustaining recovery in Cambodia’s tourism sector.