Cambodia Unveils Ambitious Tourism Roadmap for the Future

April 14, 2023

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Cambodia is targeting to increase international tourist arrivals from 4.0 to 4.5 million in 2023, according to Mr Thong Khon, the Minister of Tourism. Speaking ahead of the Mekong Tourism Forum in Preah Sihanoukville on 26th April, he outlined his country’s targets for tourism, aviation, and dispersing a new generation of visitors beyond Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh.

Cambodia has been hit hard by the global Covid-19 pandemic, with international arrivals dropping from 6.6 million in 2019 to only 200,000 in 2021. However, with tourism slowly returning, Cambodia has won awards such as “Asia’s Leading Culture Destination 2022” and “Asia’s Leading Youth Travel Destination 2022” in the World Travel Awards.

The focus of Cambodia’s tourism promotion campaigns in 2023 is “Visit Cambodia Year 2023,” with the theme “MICE and Sports” and the slogan “Every Day is A Wonder.” Several significant events are lined up, including the Southeast Asian Games in May, the 12th ASEAN Para Games in June, and the Mekong Tourism Forum in April.

Cambodia has invested in new infrastructure to boost tourism, such as 38 new roads in Siem Reap, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway, and the new Siem Reap International Airport. Two new airports are also under construction in Kandal province and Siem Reap.

To disperse tourism away from Angkor Wat to other parts of Cambodia, the government has implemented policies such as creating new tour packages that focus on nature tourism, adventure activities, community-based tourism, ecotourism, and learning about local lives and food.

The upcoming Mekong Tourism Forum in Preah Sihanouk is a robust platform for discussing critical issues and emerging trends among regional tourism stakeholders. With the theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation,” attendees will discuss sustainable food systems, women’s empowerment, digitalisation, and upskilling the tourism workforce.

In his message to tourism leaders and delegates attending the forum, Mr Thong Khon urged them to work closely to discuss regional issues and create solutions for further cooperation on sustainable tourism development. The region can achieve long-term tourism growth and development by promoting tourism potential and disbursed destinations among the six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Overall, Cambodia is focused on sustainably developing its tourism industry, expanding beyond its traditional attractions and promoting new destinations and experiences. With new infrastructure, policies, and events lined up, Cambodia can achieve its target of 4.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2023.