Cambodia Experiences Tourism Surge in 2023
Cambodia has become an irresistible draw for the global traveller, with approximately 2.57 million international visitors pouring in during the first half of the year.
The numbers, as per a July 7 report from the Ministry of Tourism, represents a staggering increase of 409 per cent in comparison to the same period in 2022.
An enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Cambodia saw 910,000 of these visitors arrive by air, marking a 279 per cent increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the figure for those entering by land shot up by 526 per cent to 1.63 million.
Travellers taking the scenic route by water also surged, with 30,000 visitors, a remarkable 586 per cent increase.
An array of visitors from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos, the US, South Korea, Indonesia, France, the UK, Malaysia, and Australia, were drawn to the magical allure of Cambodia's attractions.
The varied landscapes, from verdant rice fields to the breathtaking Angkor Wat, along with the rich cultural tapestry, have made Cambodia a gem in the crown of global tourism.
The ministry's report further revealed a total of over 10,000 flights, with the Phnom Penh International Airport handling nearly 8,000 of them. Siem Reap International Airport, the gateway to the Angkor temples, recorded over 2,000 flights, while Preah Sihanouk International Airport welcomed 255 flights.
With tourism on an upward trajectory, the Ministry of Tourism anticipates welcoming around 5 million international visitors for the year.
This projection marks a 120 per cent increase compared to the figures in 2022, signalling a bright future for Cambodia's vital tourism sector.