Tourism Revenue Rises Despite Drop in Visitor Numbers in 2025

PHNOM PENH, Jan 26, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia earned about US$3.7 billion from international tourism in 2025, up 3 percent from the previous year despite a sharp fall in visitor numbers, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) said Monday.

International arrivals fell 16.9 percent to 5.6 million, down from 6.7 million in 2024. The increase in revenue was driven by higher spending per visitor, the report noted.

The sector showed signs of recovery in the first half of 2025, supported by diversified destinations, expanded direct flight connections and the opening of new international airports.

But growth slowed in the second half following two rounds of armed clashes with Thailand and the impact of online scam activities in the region. Overall tourism growth eased to 5.1 percent, compared with 13.2 percent in 2024.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, said the industry faced significant pressure amid geopolitical uncertainty and reputational challenges linked to scams and border tensions.

 “Global geopolitics has become unpredictable. We do not know what tomorrow may bring,” he said.

Vietnam remained Cambodia’s largest source market, accounting for 21.9 percent of arrivals, followed by China at 21.6 percent and Thailand at 18.4 percent, according to the NBC.