Kingdom records huge drop in foreign tourist arrivals

Synopsis: Industry experts attribute the sudden drop to a combination of regional instability and global economic challenges. Cambodia's tourism sector has experienced a significant downturn in early 2026, with international arrivals dropping sharply compared to the same period last year, raising concerns among industry leaders and policymakers. According to Tourism Minister Huot Hak, the country welcomed approximately 700,000 foreign tourists in the first two months of the year, including around 150,000 visitors from China. This marks a steep decline of 44 percent from the 1.26 million international arrivals recorded during the same period in 2025. The downturn comes after a strong performance last year, when Cambodia received roughly 5.6 million international tourists -- an increase of nearly 42 percent year-on-year. China remained a key market, contributing more than 1.2 million visitors and ranking among the country's top tourism sources. Industry experts attribute the sudden drop to a combination of regional instability and global economic challenges. Ongoing border disruptions and tensions with neighbouring Thailand have significantly affected cross-border travel, which historically accounts for a substantial share of tourist arrivals. In 2025, land travel represented 2.71 million visitors, despite a notable decline of 37.8 percent compared to previous years. Global uncertainties, including conflicts in various regions and broader economic slowdown, have also dampened travel demand. Rising costs and cautious consumer spending have made international tourists more hesitant to travel long distances. Khiev Thy, President of the Angkor Tour Guide Association based in Siem Reap, said the decline began toward the end of 2025. While Cambodia continues to promote itself as a safe and welcoming destination, he noted that regional instability has eroded traveller confidence. "The number of international tourist arrivals has decreased since late last year due to border tensions disrupting cross-border travel, alongside ongoing wars in other parts of the world," he said. Similarly, Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Tourism Association, emphasised the compounded impact of economic and logistical challenges. She noted that land border closures and travel inconveniences have made it more difficult for tourists to access the country. "The combination of global economic pressures and the closure of land borders has created a difficult environment for tourism," she said, adding that industry stakeholders are working closely with government ministries to implement recovery strategies. Despite the decline, air travel to Cambodia showed relative resilience in 2025, with 2.85 million visitors arriving by air -- an increase of 19.2 percent -- while waterway arrivals also saw modest growth. These figures suggest potential areas for recovery if regional conditions stabilise. The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with private sector partners, has intensified efforts to promote Cambodia as a safe and attractive destination. Campaigns highlighting the country's cultural heritage, including iconic sites such as Angkor Wat, remain central to these efforts. Minister Huot Hak has called for stronger coordination between government bodies and industry players to enhance competitiveness and build resilience against external shocks. As Cambodia navigates a challenging global landscape, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the tourism sector can regain its upward momentum.