Phnom Penh, September 28, 2025 – Cambodia has achieved a significant tourism milestone by welcoming more than 4 million international tourists in the first eight months of 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced in his message commemorating World Tourism Day.
The achievement marks substantial progress toward Cambodia’s annual tourism targets and demonstrates the Kingdom’s continued appeal as a premier Southeast Asian destination.
Strong Tourism Recovery Exceeds Expectations
In his congratulatory message on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2025, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that in the first eight months of 2025, Cambodia welcomed more than 4 million international tourists, representing a robust recovery and growth in the sector.
The figure significantly outpaces previous projections and positions Cambodia well toward achieving its annual goal of welcoming up to 7 million international visitors by the end of 2025.
Month-by-Month Growth Demonstrates Sustained Interest
Tourism statistics throughout 2025 have shown consistent upward trends:
- First Quarter: Cambodia welcomed 1.83 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2025, up from 1.58 million in the same period last year
- First Four Months: Close to 2.4 million foreign tourists visited the Kingdom in the first four months of 2025, marking a 13.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year
- First Six Months: Approximately 3.36 million international tourists visited Cambodia, representing a 6.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024
Domestic Tourism Surge Complements International Growth
Alongside international visitor growth, domestic tourists totaled around 14.57 million, a 50.3% increase in the first six months of 2025, demonstrating strong local support for the tourism sector and contributing to overall economic recovery.
Infrastructure Investments Drive Accessibility
Cambodia’s tourism growth has been supported by significant infrastructure developments, including the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which commenced operations in late 2023, and ongoing improvements to transportation networks that enhance visitor accessibility to key destinations.
Tourism as Economic Pillar Strengthens
Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy, and the sector’s strong performance in 2025 contributes substantially to national economic growth and employment generation across multiple industries.
The continued influx of international visitors supports local businesses, cultural preservation initiatives, and infrastructure development throughout the Kingdom.
Regional Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s World Tourism Day message emphasized the theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlighting Cambodia’s commitment to developing tourism practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation.
“With peace, political stability, security and good social order, Cambodia continues to be a safe tourist destination, providing attractive investment and trade opportunities in the Asian region,” the Prime Minister noted.
Strong Foundation for Future Growth
The achievement of over 4 million international tourists in eight months provides a solid foundation for meeting and potentially exceeding annual targets. The number of international visitors to the Southeast Asian country is predicted to reach 7 million in 2025, surpassing the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level of 6.6 million in 2019.
This performance positions Cambodia as a leading tourism destination in the region and demonstrates the Kingdom’s successful recovery from pandemic-related challenges.
Looking Ahead
With four months remaining in 2025, Cambodia’s tourism sector is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious targets while maintaining its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s safest and most culturally rich destinations.
The continued growth trajectory reflects international confidence in Cambodia’s tourism offerings, from the world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park to emerging destinations throughout the Kingdom.
Source: Khmer Times – Cambodia received more than 4 million international tourists in 2025 so far