Cambodia tourism hit by border tensions and global instability: report

PHNOM PENH, March 26, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s tourism sector has been weighed down by regional disputes and global conflicts, according to a new business outlook report.

The American Chamber of Commerce’s Business Outlook 2026 said the military conflict in Iran and the ongoing border dispute with Thailand contributed to a downturn in visitor numbers last year.

Ticket sales at Angkor Wat remained far below pre-COVID highs, with 955,131 sold in 2025, down from more than 1 million in 2024. Angkor Enterprise reported 188,885 international visitors in January and February, generating $9.17 million – a 30 percent drop from the same period a year earlier.

The report noted that the Thai border closure hurt tourism and most companies, though some local producers and non Thai importers benefited. Survey respondents estimated it could take nearly three years for the industry to recover from reputational pressures.

The Ministry of Tourism expects 5.6 to 5.8 million international visitors in 2026, close to the 5.5 million recorded last year.

Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Cambodia chapter, said the sector faced “heavy pressure” in 2025 from post COVID challenges and border tensions. “Geopolitical issues are unfolding around the world… we do not know what tomorrow will bring,” he said.