The Ministry of tourist has emphasised the significance of coordinated efforts from all pertinent parties to grow the nation's tourist industry. The call to action coincides with the fact that in the first nine months of 2023, over 3.9 million international visitors visited Cambodia.

Last week, Sok Soken, the minister of tourism, gave an update on the ministry's initiatives to boost international tourist arrivals and lengthen their stays. He emphasised the necessity for active participation from both direct and indirect industrial contributors, underscoring the goal of providing distinctive experiences in heritage and culture.

“We aspire for guests to immerse themselves in unique experiences relating to our heritage and culture, as well as other Cambodian products. Our goal is to establish Cambodia as a premier global tourism destination,” he said. 

The minister warned against complacency, asserting that without the private sector and relevant actors’ involvement, travel experiences could deteriorate. He stressed the historical challenges and the need for comprehensive stakeholder engagement to ensure visitors leave with lasting, positive impressions.

Khieu Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tourist Guide Association (KATGA), acknowledged the private sector’s important role in enhancing the country’s appeal. 

“The private sector is eager to collaborate with authorities to rejuvenate [the sector]. Although Covid-19 concerns have subsided, the number of foreigners visiting Cambodia is still modest compared to neighbouring countries,” he stated.

He noted that the country lacks sufficient tourism products to enhance its appeal to foreign visitors, especially in terms of souvenirs, compared to neighbouring countries like Thailand. 

He mentioned that most travellers stay in the country for only 3-4 days, a shorter duration than in neighbouring countries, where visits often exceed a week.

Between January and September, the country welcomed 3,926,882 foreigners, marking a 210.2% increase from the 1,265,772 recorded in the same period in 2022. Of these, people from Thailand, Vietnam, China and Laos comprised 2,726,787, accounting for 69.44% of total foreign visits, according to the ministry.

Thailand was the leading source of tourists, contributing 1,339,540, or 34.1% of the total, a 189.5% increase from the previous year. Vietnam followed this with 730,075 (18.6%), marking a 156% rise. China accounted for 405,514 (10.3%), showing a 549.6% increase, while Laos contributed 251,658 (6.4%), a 548.9% rise.

Visitors from other major countries also showed increases. 

The US accounted for 129,068 visitors (3.6%), marking a 159.2% increase. Korea contributed 125,732 (3.2%), a substantial rise of 245.4%. Indonesia added 93,166 (2.4%), an 86.7% increase. France saw 73,632 (1.9%), a 136.3% rise. Russia, with a remarkable 2,361.1% increase, brought in 68,469 visitors (1.7%) and the UK contributed 68,229 (1.7%), up 203.6%, as per the ministry.