Tourism Emerges as Major Investment Driver with $708 Million in New Projects in 2025

PHNOM PENH, Feb 3, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s tourism sector attracted 47 investment projects worth a combined US$708 million in 2025, creating more than 5,000 jobs, the Ministry of Tourism said Tuesday.

Of the projects, four worth US$175 million were approved by the Council for the Development of Cambodia, 38 worth US$506 million by the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Investment Working Group, and five worth US$27 million by the Investment Promotion Working Group in the northeast.

Neak Phaly, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, said strengthened government strategy had spurred investment across small, medium and large-scale projects. He noted investors were increasingly combining domestic capital with foreign partnerships, reflecting growth in both the quantity and quality of tourism ventures, particularly in mid- to high-end segments.

Phaly highlighted strong momentum in early 2025, citing special programs in Preah Sihanouk province involving more than US$1 billion already flowing into projects underway.

In total, the Council for the Development of Cambodia approved 630 investment projects last year, a 52 percent increase from 2024, with capital reaching US$10 billion, up 45 percent, and the potential to create 438,000 jobs.