Cambodia's Bold Vision: Aiming for 7.5 Million Foreign Tourists by 2025

International tourists visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. 
KT/Pann Rachana

Cambodia’s tourism sector is gearing up for an exciting and ambitious growth trajectory, with the government targeting 7.5 million foreign visitors by 2025. In a recent meeting in Phnom Penh, the Ministry of Tourism laid out a strategic plan to enhance the country’s diverse tourism offerings, aiming to position Cambodia as a top destination for travelers worldwide.

Minister Huot Hak shared that the government is determined to tackle challenges head-on in order to achieve the 2025 goal. Key to this success will be addressing various issues, such as combating misinformation and improving the overall perception of Cambodia’s tourism sector. The Ministry has also pledged to strengthen tourism security, streamline tourist travel experiences, enhance service packages, and improve air connectivity—all vital factors in ensuring a seamless experience for visitors.

One of the major components of the government’s strategy includes enhancing the ease of access to Cambodia through a range of initiatives, including an e-Visa discount program introduced on January 1. The reduced fees for both tourist and business visas aim to make travel more affordable and appealing to international tourists. Additionally, the government is boosting its cooperation with foreign embassies and international partners to promote Cambodia’s unique destinations to the global audience.

Tourism is a major economic pillar for Cambodia, and the government’s efforts are already yielding positive results. In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed 6.7 million international tourists, marking a 23 percent increase from the previous year. This surge helped the tourism sector generate $3.63 billion in revenue, a 17.8 percent increase from the year before. With these numbers, the Cambodian government is confident that the target of 7.5 million tourists is within reach.

Private sector leaders are also backing the government’s efforts. Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), expressed support for the initiatives and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive growth. Sivlin noted that the private sector is ready to participate in efforts to elevate the quality of Cambodia’s tourism offerings.

The Ministry of Tourism’s strategy is not just about attracting more visitors but also ensuring that Cambodia remains a competitive and sustainable destination in the long term. By enhancing infrastructure, improving the overall travel experience, and fostering strong international partnerships, Cambodia is on track to become an even more desirable destination for travelers from all corners of the globe.

With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant local traditions, Cambodia is well-positioned to meet its ambitious tourism targets in the years ahead. As the Kingdom continues to build on its successes, visitors can expect even more exciting developments and opportunities to explore everything Cambodia has to offer.

Web: https://tourismcambodia.org/