Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed more than 5,750 Chinese visitors in July 2026, giving China the largest share of international tourist arrivals to the historic site during the month. The figure represented a 0.54% increase compared with July last year, according to an official report released yesterday.

The modest July increase comes as Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to navigate challenges affecting international travel. While Chinese arrivals to Angkor showed signs of recovery in July, the total number of Chinese visitors to the park during the first seven months of 2026 remained below last year’s level, highlighting the wider pressures facing Cambodia’s tourism industry.

China Becomes Angkor’s Top International Market in July

The 5,750 Chinese visitors recorded in July placed China at the top of the list of international tourist markets visiting Angkor Archaeological Park that month. The increase may offer some encouragement to tourism businesses in Siem Reap, particularly hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation providers and other businesses that depend heavily on international visitors.

Angkor Archaeological Park is located in northwestern Siem Reap province and covers about 401 square kilometres. It remains Cambodia’s most important tourism destination and is home to 91 ancient temples built between the ninth and 13th centuries, with Angkor Wat serving as its most internationally recognised landmark.

Chinese Arrivals Still Down in the First Seven Months

Despite the July increase, the overall picture for 2026 remains more challenging. Angkor recorded 39,742 Chinese tourists during the first seven months of the year, representing a 25.4% decline compared with the same period last year.

This means the July growth has not yet been enough to reverse the broader decline in Chinese arrivals. For tourism operators in Siem Reap, the figures suggest that demand from the Chinese market is showing some positive movement, but a stronger and more sustained recovery may still be needed.

Regional and Global Issues Continue to Affect Tourism

Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak said Tuesday that the overall decline in international tourist arrivals is linked to a combination of regional and global challenges. He pointed to negative publicity, online scam issues and friction along the Cambodia Thailand border as factors affecting international perceptions and travel decisions.

These issues can have a direct impact on tourism confidence. When travellers become concerned about safety, border tensions or negative reports circulating online, they may delay their plans or choose alternative destinations, even when major attractions such as Angkor remain open and accessible.

Middle East Conflicts Add Pressure to Global Travel

The tourism sector is also being affected by developments far beyond Cambodia. Hak noted that geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have contributed to higher fuel prices and weakened enthusiasm for international travel.

Higher fuel costs can increase the price of air tickets and other travel services, making long distance trips more expensive for tourists. For Cambodia, which relies heavily on international visitors, global economic and geopolitical uncertainty can therefore have an impact on arrivals even when local tourism conditions remain favourable.

What Does the July Increase Mean for Cambodia’s Tourism Industry?

The July figures offer a mixed signal for Cambodia’s tourism sector. On one hand, China returning to the top position among international visitors to Angkor is a positive development and could create more opportunities for tourism businesses targeting Chinese travellers. On the other hand, the 25.4% decline in Chinese arrivals during the first seven months shows that the market has not fully recovered.

For businesses in Siem Reap, the numbers highlight the importance of staying prepared for changing tourist demand. Hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, attractions and transportation providers may benefit from improving services for Chinese travellers while also continuing to diversify their customer base across other international markets.

Conclusion

Angkor’s July figures show that Chinese tourism demand is beginning to show signs of resilience, with more than 5,750 Chinese visitors recorded during the month and China ranking as Angkor’s leading international tourist market. However, the larger seven month decline shows that Cambodia still faces significant challenges in rebuilding Chinese tourist arrivals.

For Siem Reap and Cambodia’s wider tourism industry, the key challenge will be turning short term improvements into sustained growth while addressing concerns linked to safety perceptions, regional tensions, global conflicts and rising travel costs.

Koh Rong is moving toward becoming Cambodia’s next certified smoke free tourism destination, with authorities aiming to complete the process by the end of 2026. The initiative was discussed during a workshop held on Tuesday by the Ministry of Tourism and the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration, bringing together tourism officials, local authorities, health experts, and representatives from the private sector to develop practical measures for reducing smoking in public places across the island.

The campaign is designed not only to protect residents and visitors from exposure to tobacco smoke, but also to strengthen Koh Rong’s image as a clean, healthy, and attractive destination. Officials are now working on enforcement measures, public awareness, capacity building, and cooperation with businesses as they prepare the island for an official smoke free evaluation.

Authorities Prepare a Roadmap for Koh Rong

The workshop was chaired by Hor Sarun, State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Head of the Smoke Free Environment Working Group, representing Tourism Minister Hout Hak. Discussions focused on how authorities and tourism stakeholders can work together to ensure that smoke free regulations are properly understood and enforced.

Hor Sarun stressed the importance of strict compliance and close cooperation among relevant stakeholders. The goal is to create an environment where residents, workers, and tourists can enjoy Koh Rong without being exposed to tobacco smoke in public and tourism areas.

The initiative comes as Cambodia continues to promote responsible and sustainable tourism. For an island destination such as Koh Rong, maintaining a clean and healthy environment could also help strengthen its appeal to visitors looking for quality travel experiences.

Local Authorities and Tourism Businesses Have a Key Role

One of the main priorities is improving the capacity of municipal and sangkat authorities so they can effectively implement and monitor smoke free measures. Stronger enforcement will be needed to ensure that regulations are followed consistently across public spaces and tourism related areas.

Hospitality operators are also being encouraged to take a more active role. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, entertainment venues, and other tourism businesses will need to understand the health risks associated with tobacco smoke and help create environments that support the smoke free goal.

This means the initiative is not simply about introducing restrictions on smoking. It also depends on cooperation between government agencies, local authorities, tourism businesses, employees, and the wider community. Their combined efforts will be important in making the policy practical rather than simply a formal designation.

Around 100 Stakeholders Join the Discussion

Around 100 government officials and private sector representatives attended the workshop, highlighting the broad range of stakeholders involved in the initiative. The event included panel discussions as well as closed door strategy meetings focused on developing a practical timeline for Koh Rong’s official smoke free evaluation.

These discussions are expected to help clarify the steps that need to be completed before the island can be assessed for certification. They also provide an opportunity for authorities and businesses to identify challenges and coordinate their responsibilities ahead of the 2026 target.

For Koh Rong, achieving smoke free status could become another part of its wider tourism development strategy. Alongside its beaches, natural attractions, and growing tourism industry, a cleaner public environment could help strengthen the island’s reputation among both domestic and international visitors.

What Does Smoke Free Koh Rong Mean for Tourism?

A smoke free Koh Rong could offer several benefits for the island’s tourism sector. Visitors may feel more comfortable spending time in public areas, restaurants, hotels, and other tourism facilities where exposure to tobacco smoke is reduced. It could also support Cambodia’s broader efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable tourism destinations.

For tourism businesses, the initiative could also encourage improvements in workplace standards and visitor experiences. Operators that actively support smoke free policies may be better positioned to appeal to families, health conscious travellers, and international visitors who value clean and comfortable destinations.

At the same time, successful implementation will depend on consistent enforcement and clear communication. Authorities will need to ensure that businesses and residents understand the rules, while tourism operators will need to communicate the requirements clearly to their customers and staff.

Why Is Koh Rong Targeting 2026?

The end of 2026 has been set as the target for Koh Rong to achieve official smoke free tourism destination status. The workshop therefore represents an important step in turning the goal into an actionable plan, with authorities now focusing on capacity building, enforcement, awareness, and stakeholder coordination.

The timeline also gives local authorities and businesses time to prepare. Rather than introducing the requirements without preparation, the current approach allows stakeholders to understand what will be expected and address potential challenges before the official evaluation takes place.

Conclusion

Koh Rong’s ambition to become a certified smoke free tourism destination by the end of 2026 signals a broader effort to make Cambodia’s tourism destinations cleaner, healthier, and more visitor friendly. With around 100 officials and private sector representatives already involved in planning, the next challenge will be turning the strategy into consistent action on the ground.

If authorities, tourism businesses, and local communities work together effectively, the smoke free initiative could benefit public health while also adding another positive feature to Koh Rong’s growing tourism appeal. The success of the plan will ultimately depend on strong enforcement, business cooperation, public awareness, and sustained commitment ahead of the 2026 evaluation.

Cambodia is stepping up efforts to restore its tourism industry as the government and private sector explore a wide range of solutions to attract more international visitors.

During a Progress Review Meeting of the Tourism Working Group held in Phnom Penh earlier this week, officials discussed visa exemptions for key target markets, stronger destination marketing, better air connectivity, and investment incentives. The meeting comes at a time when the country is facing a slowdown in international arrivals due to global economic pressures, regional tensions, and negative publicity affecting traveller confidence. Together, these measures aim to rebuild Cambodia’s image and strengthen the tourism sector for long term growth.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of close cooperation between the government and businesses in overcoming current challenges. While tourism has faced several setbacks in recent months, officials believe coordinated action, strategic investment, and targeted policy reforms will help restore momentum and position Cambodia as a more competitive destination across the region.

Government and Private Sector Join Forces to Support Tourism Recovery

Minister of Tourism Huot Hak chaired the Progress Review Meeting of the Tourism Working Group under the Government Private Sector Forum, bringing together around 150 representatives from government institutions, tourism associations, businesses, and industry stakeholders.

The gathering reviewed progress on existing tourism initiatives, examined current challenges, and considered new proposals from the private sector. Officials agreed that stronger collaboration between public institutions and businesses remains essential to rebuilding confidence and encouraging more international visitors to choose Cambodia.

International Arrivals Face Growing Challenges

Speaking at the meeting, Hak acknowledged that Cambodia experienced a noticeable decline in international tourist arrivals during the first half of the year. Several factors have contributed to the slowdown, including negative publicity surrounding technology enabled scams, border related issues between Cambodia and Thailand, and ongoing conflict in the Middle East that has pushed up fuel prices and increased travel costs.

Despite these challenges, the minister stressed that the government has already introduced several support measures for tourism businesses. He also reaffirmed that public and private cooperation will play a vital role in turning current difficulties into future opportunities.

Progress Made Through Tourism Development Initiatives

Participants welcomed the successful completion of 22 tourism related measures that have already been implemented through the Tourism Working Group.

Among the latest achievements are the development of the Phnom Kulen area as a nature based tourism destination and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to establish Green Belts in tourism areas. The initiative is expected to strengthen sustainable tourism while improving agricultural value chains connected to local destinations.

Visa Exemptions and Better Connectivity Under Discussion

One of the most significant proposals discussed during the meeting was the possibility of introducing visa exemptions for priority tourism markets to encourage more international arrivals.

Other recommendations included establishing a tourism development fund to strengthen destination branding and overseas marketing campaigns, upgrading major national festivals into internationally recognised events, improving domestic flight connections between tourism destinations, and creating a more attractive investment environment for tourism related businesses.

Participants also examined ways to increase direct international flight connections from key tourism markets. Achieving this goal will require close coordination between aviation authorities, airlines, tourism operators, and the private sector.

Practical Measures Aim to Restore Cambodia’s Global Image

As the meeting concluded, participants agreed on a number of practical recommendations designed to rebuild Cambodia’s international reputation and restore traveller confidence.

These proposals include expanding tourism marketing campaigns, attracting more international conferences and events, promoting domestic travel, and strengthening Cambodia’s presence in global tourism markets. Officials believe these combined efforts will help the country regain competitiveness and support long term tourism growth.

Air Cargo Continues Growing Despite Passenger Decline

While international passenger traffic has weakened, Cambodia’s aviation sector continues to show strength in cargo operations. According to the latest report from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, the country’s airports handled 3.7 million passengers during the first seven months of 2026, representing a 9 percent decline compared with the same period last year.

At the same time, air cargo volumes reached 57,102 tonnes, marking a strong 21 percent year on year increase. Cambodia’s three main international airports recorded a combined 37,248 inbound and outbound flights during the period, remaining unchanged from 2025.

Economic Pressures Continue to Affect Travel Demand

Secretary of State and SSCA spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha said global economic conditions continue to weigh on international travel demand.

“Inflationary pressures and uneven macroeconomic recovery across key source markets have affected regional tourism and optional journeys,” Vutha told Khmer Times.

The report also noted that Cambodia remains well connected internationally, with 33 airlines operating scheduled services linking the country with destinations across ASEAN, East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. The government’s long term aviation strategy targets 8 million passengers and 112,000 tonnes of air cargo by 2027 while positioning Cambodia as a regional aviation hub.

Conclusion

Cambodia is pursuing an ambitious strategy to revitalise its tourism industry through stronger government and private sector cooperation, visa policy reforms, enhanced destination marketing, and improved air connectivity. Although international visitor numbers have slowed amid global economic uncertainty and regional challenges, ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure and aviation demonstrate the country’s commitment to long term growth. If these proposed measures are successfully implemented, Cambodia will be better positioned to restore traveller confidence, attract more visitors, and strengthen its role as one of Southeast Asia’s leading tourism destinations.

Old Siem Reap International Airport to Become a New Multi Functional Development Zone

The former Siem Reap International Airport is preparing for a major transformation after years of serving as one of Cambodia’s key aviation gateways. In early August 2026, Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI), the developer behind Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, announced plans to redevelop the former airport site into a modern multi functional development zone in Siem Reap Province. The project aims to give new life to the historic airport while creating fresh opportunities for tourism, business, entertainment, and economic growth.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Huot Hak, and Mr. Lu Wei, Chairman of Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. The discussion focused on strengthening tourism, expanding air connectivity, and encouraging more investment in Siem Reap, one of Cambodia’s most important tourism destinations. The redevelopment reflects a broader effort to maximize the value of the former airport after operations moved to the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.

A New Vision for the Former Airport Site

According to Mr. Lu Wei, the redevelopment project will convert the old airport into a vibrant mixed use destination that combines tourism services, commercial activities, entertainment facilities, and various economic projects. Instead of leaving the site unused, the company plans to transform it into a dynamic area that supports both visitors and local businesses while contributing to Siem Reap’s long term economic development.

Minister Huot Hak welcomed the proposal and expressed his support for the project. He encouraged the development team to conduct comprehensive studies and prepare a detailed master plan that prioritizes sustainability, inclusiveness, and long term benefits for the province. The goal is to ensure the redevelopment creates lasting value while complementing Siem Reap’s growing tourism industry.

Preserving the Legacy of a Historic Airport

The former Siem Reap International Airport has played an important role in Cambodia’s aviation history for decades. It first opened in 1932 during the French colonial period and underwent major improvements in 1955 during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era. In 1970, airport operations were suspended because of the civil conflict in Cambodia before reopening again in 2006 to support the country’s growing tourism sector.

For many years, the airport welcomed millions of international travelers visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park and helped establish Siem Reap as one of Southeast Asia’s leading cultural tourism destinations. Its redevelopment marks the beginning of a new chapter while preserving the significance of its historic role.

Why the Airport Was Closed?

The former airport officially ceased operations on October 16, 2023, when all commercial flights were transferred to the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport located in Sotr Nikum District. The relocation was designed to protect the ancient Angkor temples from aircraft vibrations while also allowing Cambodia to accommodate larger aircraft and increase international air traffic capacity.

The new airport provides modern infrastructure and greater operational capacity, positioning Cambodia to welcome more international visitors and support future tourism growth. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the former airport site ensures that the valuable land continues contributing to the province’s economy instead of remaining inactive.

For additional background on Cambodia’s aviation and tourism developments, readers can visit the Ministry of Tourism’s official website and the official website of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.

What Does This Mean for Cambodia?

The redevelopment of the former Siem Reap International Airport represents more than a simple land conversion. It reflects Cambodia’s strategy of modernizing its infrastructure while creating new economic opportunities from existing assets. By turning the historic airport into a multi functional development zone, Siem Reap could attract more investment, generate new jobs, expand tourism services, and strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading economic and tourism hubs.

Conclusion

The transformation of the former Siem Reap International Airport into a multi functional development zone signals a new era for one of Cambodia’s most recognizable aviation landmarks. While the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport continues to serve international travelers, the historic airport site is expected to find new purpose through tourism, commerce, entertainment, and investment. If implemented successfully, the project could become another major milestone in Siem Reap’s ongoing development and reinforce Cambodia’s vision for sustainable economic growth.

Cambodia is strengthening its efforts to attract more international visitors through a comprehensive global marketing strategy that targets travelers, tourism businesses, airlines, and government partners. The Cambodia Tourism Board has introduced this multi channel approach as part of its first and second quarter initiatives to increase international arrivals, build stronger industry partnerships, and reshape Cambodia’s image as a world class travel destination. By combining digital promotion, international cooperation, trade partnerships, and destination marketing, the Board aims to create sustainable growth for the country’s tourism sector in the months and years ahead.

The strategy reflects Cambodia’s long term vision of becoming a more competitive destination in the global tourism market. Instead of relying on a single promotional method, the Board is working across four key business channels to reach different audiences while encouraging new travel experiences, expanding tourism packages, and creating stronger international connections.

Four Marketing Channels Drive Cambodia’s Tourism Strategy

According to the Cambodia Tourism Board’s first and second quarter reports, the international marketing strategy is built around four core business channels. These include Business to Customer, Business to Business, Business to Business to Customer, and Business to Government. Each channel serves a different purpose while contributing to the common goal of increasing visitor arrivals and strengthening Cambodia’s tourism industry.

Together, these four approaches allow Cambodia to promote its attractions directly to travelers, work closely with travel businesses, develop joint marketing campaigns with airline partners, and expand international cooperation with governments and tourism organizations. This coordinated strategy is expected to strengthen Cambodia’s position in key tourism markets around the world.

Reaching Global Travelers Through Digital Promotion

The Business to Customer strategy focuses on promoting Cambodia directly to international travelers through global media coverage, digital marketing campaigns, influencer collaborations, and film tourism projects that showcase the country’s cultural heritage and natural attractions.

During the first half of the year, the Cambodia Tourism Board welcomed representatives from ten international media organizations, including Wanderlust, The Guardian UK, and the South China Morning Post. It also hosted twenty content creators from Australia and India who produced travel focused content to inspire international audiences to visit Cambodia. These efforts are designed to modernize global perceptions of the Kingdom and increase awareness across important tourism markets.

Strengthening Partnerships With Travel Industry Professionals

The Business to Business strategy is designed to build stronger relationships with international travel agents, tour operators, and tourism companies. The Board is achieving this through familiarization trips, participation in international tourism exhibitions, overseas sales missions, and industry networking events.

Since March 2026, 145 international travel agents have joined the Board’s ambitious 500 Agent FAM Trip Program. The initiative allows overseas travel professionals to experience Cambodia firsthand before developing and promoting new travel packages for their customers. More information about the program is available through the original report published by Cambodia Investment Review.

The Board has also represented Cambodia at seventeen international travel trade exhibitions while conducting six sales missions and roadshows across Austria, Spain, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, India, China, and South Korea. These activities continue to strengthen business relationships and expand Cambodia’s presence in competitive tourism markets.

Airline Partnerships Aim to Increase Visitor Bookings

The Business to Business to Customer strategy focuses on turning promotional campaigns into actual visitor bookings by working directly with airlines and travel platforms. This collaborative approach helps increase Cambodia’s visibility while making travel planning easier for international visitors.

The Cambodia Tourism Board has established partnerships with major international airlines including Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, EVA Air, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines. These partnerships support joint marketing campaigns that encourage more travelers to choose Cambodia as their next holiday destination while improving the country’s visibility across global travel networks.

International Cooperation Supports Long Term Tourism Growth

The Business to Government strategy strengthens cooperation between Cambodia and international tourism authorities as well as global tourism organizations. These partnerships focus on long term destination development, policy cooperation, and knowledge sharing that will help improve Cambodia’s tourism competitiveness.

To support these goals, the Cambodia Tourism Board has introduced three flagship initiatives. These include the 500 Agent FAM Trip Program, an Event Matching Grant that provides financial support for events capable of attracting overseas visitors, and a Film Location Scouting Program that encourages international film producers to choose Cambodia as a filming destination. These initiatives are expected to create long lasting benefits for the tourism sector by attracting visitors through multiple channels.

Tourism Growth Will Take Time to Build

The Cambodia Tourism Board acknowledged that the benefits of its international marketing strategy will not appear immediately. Most international travelers plan and book their holidays between three and nine months before departure. Likewise, travel agents participating in familiarization trips need additional time to design, market, and sell Cambodia travel packages before visitor numbers begin to increase.

Despite this gradual timeline, tourism industry stakeholders have welcomed the coordinated marketing strategy. Many believe the four channel approach represents an important step toward improving Cambodia’s international reputation while creating sustainable growth for the tourism industry over the long term.

Conclusion

Cambodia is taking a more strategic and collaborative approach to tourism promotion by investing in global marketing, international partnerships, airline cooperation, and government engagement. Through its four channel marketing strategy, the Cambodia Tourism Board is laying the foundation for stronger international visitor growth and a more competitive tourism industry. While the results may take time to become visible, the comprehensive approach demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to building a sustainable and globally recognized tourism destination.