This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data
Last Published: 8/6/2019

Overview

The tourism industry in Cambodia has matured quickly over the past few years due to political and economic stability and a dramatic increase in the number of Chinese tourists to Cambodia.  The number of foreign arrivals reached 6.2 million in 2018, according to press reports, bolstered by a large increase in Chinese tourists.  The majority of tourists are attracted to the historical/cultural complex of Angkor Wat, but an increasing number of tourists are also visiting the beaches in the southern town of Sihanoukville.  In 2018, annual revenue generated from the sector was estimated to reach $4 billion.

Tourism Inflows

2015

2016

2017

2018

Number of International Tourists

4,775,231

5,011,712

5,602,157

6,200,000 *

Number of American Tourists

217,510    

238,658

256,544

275,000 *

Total Tourism Receipts

3,012,000

3,212,000

3,638,000

4,000,000 *

Unit: USD thousands
Data Source: Ministry of Tourism. *Official statistics for 2018 have not yet been published. Estimates shown.
 

Leading Sub-Sectors

The government expects tourism to continue to increase as new attractions open in different parts of Cambodia.  The airport in the southern coastal town of Sihanoukville was recently expanded and upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft for Chinese visitors, and the government has approved many resort development projects by international and Cambodian developers for the country’s islands, southern coastline, and mountain areas.  Costing close to $1 billion and located on a 750 hectare property, a new international airport in Siem Reap province started in March 2018.   In January 2018, the government has approved the construction of a new airport outside of Phnom Penh with a cost of around $1.5 billion.  The government is also looking to open up more of the country to eco-tourism, capitalizing on natural resources such as mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and rare animal species like the Mekong dolphin.
 

Opportunities

Collectively, these developments present good market opportunities for U.S. companies to develop resorts or tourist attractions and to supply tourism-related products or infrastructure.
 

Web Resources

Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction
Council for the Development of Cambodia
Cambodia Association of Travel Agents
Cambodia Hotel Association

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.