Cambodia Launches Year Long Tourism Drive

Cambodia is stepping confidently into a new phase of tourism promotion with the launch of the Cambodia Travel Match CTM 2026 mini series, an ambitious marketing programme set to run for a full year beginning in March 2026. The first wave of activities will unfold in Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, and Siem Reap, three destinations that together represent the cultural, coastal, and commercial heart of the Kingdom. Organisers say this campaign is more than just another tourism event. It is designed to redefine how Cambodia tells its story to the world by positioning the country as resilient, diverse, and globally competitive in an increasingly dynamic travel market.

What is Cambodia Travel Match CTM 2026?

Cambodia Travel Match CTM 2026 is a year long destination marketing programme designed to strengthen Cambodia’s position in the regional and global tourism market. Organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodia Tourism Federation, the initiative brings international travel buyers to key destinations such as Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, and Siem Reap for structured business to business meetings, site inspections, and networking events. Running for 12 months beginning in March 2026, CTM 2026 aims to attract high value markets, generate measurable tourism trade, and reposition Cambodia as a resilient, diverse, and globally competitive destination in Southeast Asia.

A Strategic Partnership to Drive Results

The initiative is organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodia Tourism Federation. Together, these institutions are rolling out a structured 12 month destination marketing programme aimed at attracting high value international buyers while delivering measurable trade outcomes for the local tourism industry. Unlike short term promotional events, CTM 2026 is designed as a sustained national campaign that keeps Cambodia visible and competitive throughout the year, ensuring consistent engagement with key regional markets and industry stakeholders.

Targeting Key Regional Markets

In March and April alone, CTM 2026 will host 25 buyers from Indonesia, 10 from Malaysia, and 5 from Singapore. These buyers will spend six nights and seven days exploring Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, and Siem Reap. Their itineraries will include detailed site inspections, structured business to business meetings, and high level networking sessions with domestic and international tourism companies. The goal is straightforward yet strategic. By facilitating direct engagement between buyers and Cambodian suppliers, the programme aims to convert interest into concrete business deals that generate sustained visitor flows and long term partnerships.

From Event to National Movement

Thourn Sinan, chairman of PATA Cambodia Chapter, described CTM 2026 as a “national movement to enhance Cambodia’s global tourism profile and strengthen the resilience of the overall tourism sector”. He emphasised that the programme reflects Cambodia’s response to shifting market conditions, changing traveller behaviour, and the broader need for an inclusive and sustainable tourism recovery. “We are building on the success of CTM 2024 by transforming what was previously a periodic event into a sustainable national campaign with global outreach. This is Cambodia’s moment to lead tourism transformation in Southeast Asia,” he said. His remarks underscore the broader ambition behind CTM 2026, which is not simply to increase visitor numbers but to elevate Cambodia’s brand positioning within the regional tourism landscape.

Conclusion

With CTM 2026, Cambodia is signalling that it is ready to compete at a higher level in Southeast Asia’s tourism arena. By combining strategic partnerships, targeted buyer engagement, and a year long promotional push, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and diversified tourism sector. If successfully executed, this initiative could strengthen Cambodia’s reputation as a destination that offers cultural depth, coastal beauty, and business opportunity all within one compelling national story.

Siem Reap shines as top cultural gem

How did Siem Reap secure its spot among Asia’s elite destinations? It is a proud moment for the Kingdom as Siem Reap officially ranks 5th among Asia’s Best Cultural Destinations for 2026 according to Tripadvisor. This isn’t just a win for the province but a testament to Cambodia’s deep-rooted heritage gaining the global spotlight it deserves. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts was quick to celebrate this achievement, noting that the ranking proves how much international travelers value the country’s historical treasures. In their words, “This recognition is clear evidence that Siem Reap province is a renowned cultural and historical tourism destination, offering exceptional experiences and unforgettable memories to visitors from around the world.” While Singapore took the top spot both regionally and globally, Siem Reap held a strong 13th place on the world stage, proving that the allure of the Khmer Empire remains a bucket-list priority for global explorers.

The magic of Angkor Wat at dawn

What makes the temple experience so special for modern travelers? The appeal of Siem Reap goes far beyond simple sightseeing; it is about the atmosphere and the profound sense of history that visitors feel the moment they arrive. Tripadvisor’s own experts highlighted the spiritual and aesthetic power of the region, noting, “When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap.” This unique blend of architectural mastery and natural beauty is what keeps the province at the top of travel reviews year after year.

Rising tourism numbers drive local success

Is the global recognition translating into real-world growth? The accolades are backed by impressive data showing that people are visiting in droves. These rankings aren’t just handed out; Tripadvisor calculates them based on the quality and quantity of actual traveler reviews collected over a full year. This authentic feedback loop reflects the high satisfaction of the nearly one million people who walked through the park recently. According to data from Angkor Enterprise, the Angkor Archaeological Park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, welcomed 955,131 international visitors in 2025. This surge in interest generated more than US$44.7 million in revenue, highlighting the vital role that cultural tourism plays in the Cambodian economy.

Conclusion

As we move through 2026, Siem Reap continues to prove that it is more than just a collection of ancient stones. It is a living, breathing cultural hub that connects the grandeur of the past with the curiosity of the modern world. With rising visitor numbers and consistent global praise, the province is well-positioned to remain a crown jewel of Asian tourism for years to come.

Cambodia Renews Siem Reap Tourism Tax Breaks Amid Visitor Decline. Cambodia has decided to bring back a full year of tax exemptions for tourism businesses in Siem Reap for 2026. The move comes as visitor numbers continue to fall, raising concerns across the industry. Under the latest announcement from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, tourism enterprises in Siem Reap will be exempt from all types of monthly taxes except value added tax and accommodation tax from January to December 2026. Businesses will also receive an income tax exemption for 2026. If any income tax has already been paid for that year, it will be treated as a tax credit and can be deducted from income tax liabilities in 2027. In addition, enterprises will not face tax audits for the 2026 tax year. The policy applies to registered hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and travel agencies operating in Siem Reap.

However, the tax holiday does not mean a free pass on compliance. Medium and large taxpayers must continue submitting monthly returns through the e Filing system and annual income tax returns via ToL e Filing. Small taxpayers are still required to file according to the form, timeline, and procedures set by the tax administration or through the GDT Tax Filing App. Businesses must also maintain proper accounting records and documentation in line with existing tax regulations.

How Serious Is the Tourism Slowdown?

The renewed tax incentives follow a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed more than 5.5 million international visitors last year, marking a 16.9 percent decrease from the 6.7 million recorded in 2024. The decline is even more visible in Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat. In January 2026 alone, international visits to Angkor Wat fell by about 36 percent year on year, with around 93,000 foreign tourists generating just over 4.5 million dollars in revenue.

Market data from Oudom Consulting further highlights the economic impact. A reduction of between 200,000 and 220,000 international visits in the second half of 2025 translated into an estimated 7 million to 10 million dollars in lost ticket revenue. More significantly, that shortfall may have triggered between 200 million and 350 million dollars in downstream economic losses for Siem Reap city during the same period. This shows how closely tourism performance is tied to the broader local economy, from transport operators to restaurants and retail businesses.

Should the Tax Incentives Extend Beyond Siem Reap?

Industry leaders have welcomed the government’s initiative but argue that the challenges are not limited to one province. Thourn Sinan, Chairman of IMCT Co Ltd and Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter, pointed to several factors behind the downturn, including border tensions with Thailand, wider geopolitical uncertainty, and concerns about online scams that have led some visitors to cancel their trips.

“It is not very bad, even if the numbers have not increased as much as we hoped,” he said. While acknowledging the value of the tax exemption, he urged authorities to broaden the scope of support. “I request the government to expand its understanding [providing tax incentives] beyond Siem Reap to include Phnom Penh and other provinces, as its impact is nationwide. It’s not only in Siem Reap, so it [measure] should be further expanded,” he said.

Steve Lidgey, General Manager at Travel Asia a la carte, echoed similar concerns. He noted that the tourism economy remains fragile and has yet to fully recover from Covid. “Western markets are mostly improving, though the conflict last year meant we lost bookings,” he said. He agreed that the tax exemption “does help” but stressed that many travel agencies are registered in Phnom Penh even if their tours operate mainly in Siem Reap. “Many travel agencies are based in the capital, regardless of where the tours are happening, which is by far the most in Siem Reap,” he said.

Is Tax Relief Enough to Revive Tourism?

While tax breaks provide short term relief, industry players believe stronger marketing and product diversification are equally important. Sinan argued that Cambodia needs a more aggressive destination campaign, especially to promote safety and rebuild international confidence. “If we don’t start the destination campaign, we won’t go further. If we compare with other nations in the world, our current promotion is behind. For example, many Chinese tourists are still unfamiliar with Cambodia because our promotion is limited,” he said. “This requires a significant increase in tourism marketing.”

Lidgey also called for broader tourism development. He suggested improving corporate facilities for meetings and events and investing in family attractions such as quality water parks and entertainment venues to reduce the impact of the low season, sometimes rebranded as the green season.

It is worth noting that on August 23, 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet previously announced a tourism tax exemption that was extended until the end of June 2025, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the sector.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s renewed tax exemptions for Siem Reap tourism businesses reflect a clear effort to cushion the industry against falling visitor numbers. While the incentives provide immediate financial relief, experts agree that recovery will require more than tax support. Expanding the policy nationwide, strengthening destination marketing, and diversifying tourism products may prove essential to restoring confidence and driving sustainable growth across the Kingdom’s tourism economy.

What makes Siem Reap stand out on the global travel map today is not only its ancient temples but also its growing reputation for safety and comfort, especially for people travelling alone. In a recent study by UK based travel specialist Travelbag, Siem Reap was ranked seventh among the safest cities in the world for solo travellers, a recognition that reflects the city’s steady rise as a trusted and welcoming destination in Southeast Asia. This ranking reinforces Cambodia’s improving international image as a place where independent explorers can feel confident navigating new surroundings while enjoying rich cultural experiences.

How Did Siem Reap Perform in the Global Safety Study?

How exactly was this ranking determined and why did Siem Reap score so well? Travelbag evaluated 36 international cities using a combination of factors that matter most to solo travellers, including daytime and nighttime safety scores from the Numbeo Crime Index, affordability, ease of getting around, transportation quality, and overall traveller friendliness. Siem Reap achieved a strong daytime safety score of 85 and a nighttime score of 69, placing it ahead of major global cities such as Montreal and Tokyo, and firmly within the global top ten for solo travel safety.

What Role Does Angkor and the City’s Layout Play in Traveller Confidence?

Why do solo travellers feel comfortable exploring Siem Reap on their own? A big part of the answer lies in the city’s compact layout and its well developed tourism ecosystem. Siem Reap Province is home to the world famous Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, and the routes connecting major attractions are well travelled and easy to navigate. The city’s manageable size, combined with reliable tuk tuk services and a strong presence of tourism businesses, creates a reassuring environment for visitors who prefer to explore independently.

What Are Solo Travellers Saying About Their Experience in Siem Reap?

What do real travellers experience on the ground? Many solo visitors sharing their stories on social forums describe Siem Reap as a place where moving around on foot or by tuk tuk feels generally safe and straightforward. Central areas such as Pub Street and the Old Market are often mentioned as lively yet comfortable zones, especially during the evening, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a friendly destination where travellers can enjoy local life without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

Why Is Solo Travel Driving Siem Reap’s Global Appeal Right Now?

Why does this ranking matter at this particular moment? Globally, solo travel is on the rise, especially among younger generations seeking personal growth, cultural immersion, and flexible travel experiences. The Travelbag study highlights that safety remains the top concern for solo travellers, particularly Gen Z and millennials planning trips in 2025 and beyond. Siem Reap’s strong performance positions it well to capture this growing market at a time when destinations that combine safety, affordability, and authenticity are in high demand.

What Does This Ranking Mean for Cambodia’s Tourism Industry?

How could this recognition impact Cambodia’s wider tourism sector? Tourism experts suggest that Siem Reap’s appeal to solo travellers could support a more diverse visitor base as the industry continues its post disruption recovery. Solo travellers often spend more on local tours, dining, and cultural activities, which can generate broader economic benefits beyond traditional group tourism. Adding to this momentum, Siem Reap was previously voted by British travellers as the second best winter sun holiday destination for 2025, just behind Bangkok, further strengthening its global tourism profile.

Conclusion

So what does Siem Reap’s seventh place ranking really tell us? It shows that the city has successfully combined cultural heritage, traveller friendly infrastructure, and a sense of everyday safety that matters deeply to modern explorers. As global travel trends continue to shift toward independent and experience driven journeys, Siem Reap is well positioned to shine not only as the gateway to Angkor but also as one of the world’s most reassuring destinations for solo travellers.