Chinese Tourism to Cambodia Surges Nearly 46% in 2025

KT

Cambodia has seen a sharp rise in Chinese tourist arrivals this year, with nearly 785,000 visitors from China recorded between January and August—a 45.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The figures, released on Friday by the Ministry of Tourism, mark a significant rebound for the sector.

Chinese travellers now account for 19.3% of Cambodia’s total international arrivals, placing China as the third-largest source of foreign visitors after Thailand and Vietnam. The surge comes amid renewed efforts to promote bilateral tourism, including the ongoing Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025.

Speaking at a cultural promotion event in Phnom Penh, Heng Sokchamroeun, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism, emphasised the strategic importance of Chinese tourism. “The future of Cambodia's tourism sector is inseparable from the inflows of Chinese tourists and investors,” he said, noting that the growth also opens doors for broader investment across industries.

Tourism remains one of Cambodia’s key economic pillars, alongside garment and travel goods exports, agriculture, and construction. The government hopes that sustained growth in Chinese arrivals will help revitalise the sector following pandemic-era disruptions.

With cultural ties deepening and promotional efforts underway, officials are optimistic that Chinese visitor numbers will continue to climb—bringing both economic benefits and renewed global attention to Cambodia’s heritage and hospitality.

-2025-09-21