Angkor Ticket Sales Fall  as Tourism Faces Regional Strains

PHNOM PENH, April 1, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Angkor Wat complex recorded a steep drop in ticket revenue in the first quarter of 2026, with sales down more than 30 percent as regional tensions and global uncertainties weighed on tourism, officials said Wednesday.

Angkor Enterprise reported revenue of $13.1 million between January and March, compared with $18.7 million in the same period last year. A total of 270,911 international visitors purchased tickets during the three month period.

The slowdown persisted in March, when 82,026 tourists generated nearly $4 million in revenue, marking a 29 percent decline year on year.

Industry representatives pointed to geopolitical factors behind the downturn. Khiev Thy, president of the Angkor Tour Guide Association, said border tensions with Thailand have contributed to fewer arrivals in Siem Reap.

Tourism experts added that Cambodia is still grappling with reputational challenges and lingering effects from the COVID 19 pandemic. Thourn Sinan, chairman of PATA Cambodia, warned that global instability continues to pressure the sector. “We are entering a period where anything can happen at any time,” he said.

The figures underscore volatility in Cambodia’s tourism recovery, even as the broader industry shows resilience. In 2025, Angkor ticket sales generated nearly $45 million, down 6.5 percent from 2024.

Overall, Cambodia welcomed 5.57 million international tourists last year, a 16.9 percent drop, while domestic tourism remained strong at around 25 million travelers. Total tourism revenue reached $3.7 billion, reflecting a modest 3 percent increase.