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Cambodia welcomed 4.37 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2025, marking an 8.8% drop compared to the same period last year, according to figures released Monday by the Ministry of Tourism. The decline reflects broader regional economic headwinds and growing competition from neighbouring destinations.

 

Thailand remained the top source of foreign tourists, with nearly 979,000 arrivals, though this figure was down sharply—35.9% year-on-year.

 

Vietnam followed with 906,000 visitors, a more modest 6.9% dip. In contrast, Chinese arrivals surged by 46.3%, reaching 889,000, signalling a strong rebound in outbound travel from China.

 

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, attributed the overall decline to economic pressures across the region and a lack of diversification in Cambodia’s tourism offerings. “It also highlights the lingering challenges in air connectivity and destination diversification,” he told Xinhua.

 

The recent opening of Techo International Airport, now Cambodia’s largest, is expected to improve the situation. With expanded flight capacity and modern infrastructure, the airport aims to boost international connectivity and support future growth in the sector.

 

Tourism remains one of Cambodia’s key economic pillars, alongside garment and footwear exports, agriculture, and construction. While the rise in Chinese visitors offers a glimmer of hope, the overall drop underscores the need for strategic investment in infrastructure and marketing to attract a broader range of travellers.

 

The figures suggest that Cambodia’s tourism sector is at a crossroads. With regional competition intensifying and traditional markets softening, the country must adapt quickly to maintain its appeal. The new airport may help, but success will depend on how effectively Cambodia positions itself in a shifting global travel landscape.

 

 

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The closure of the borders has curtailed the back to back visa runs hence the decrease  in arrivaland departure numbers at these locations.