PM Calls for Measures to Stimulate Tourism During Low Season

In a proactive response to concerns raised by the tourism sector regarding low international arrivals during the off-peak season, Prime Minister Hun Manet has proposed several measures to boost tourist numbers. Key among these proposals is reducing the cost of tickets to major attractions, including the iconic Angkor Wat, and halving parking fees at the newly opened Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).

Addressing the Low Season Challenge

The Prime Minister’s call to action aims to mitigate the impact of the quieter months on Cambodia’s tourism industry. Despite significant strides in recovery, the sector still faces limitations during the low season. By reducing ticket prices and parking fees, the government hopes to make Cambodia a more attractive destination for international visitors during this period.

Tourism Statistics and Recovery

In the first half of 2024, Cambodia recorded 12,386 international flights, averaging 480 to 490 flights per week, facilitated by 31 airlines. The recently inaugurated SAI alone welcomed 3,214 flights, or approximately 120 to 130 flights weekly.

Siem Reap Provincial Governor Prak Sophoan highlighted the positive trends, noting, “Recently, the tourism industry has been recovering day-by-day. In 2023, Siem Reap province received over 2.5 million visitors, both local and international. In the first half of 2024, more than 1.9 million people visited Siem Reap, including over 520,000 international tourists. Daily, we now welcome 10 to 19 flights and 1,000 to 1,500 visitors at the airport.”

Sophoan also emphasized the collaborative efforts between government officials and stakeholders to create a calendar of annual events designed to attract more visitors, alongside improvements in hospitality for tourists.

National Tourism Figures

According to the Tourism Statistics Report of Cambodia, Phnom Penh International Airport received 8,960 flights in the first half of 2024, averaging 330 to 350 flights per week. Sihanoukville International Airport welcomed 212 flights, with seven flights weekly.

Tob Sopheak, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), confirmed that 3.16 million international tourists visited Cambodia during this period, a 22.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, and equivalent to 94.9 percent of the figures from the first half of 2019. Additionally, domestic tourism saw 9.69 million visitors, a 6.4 percent increase, while outbound tourists rose by five percent to 900,000.

The revenue from Angkor Wat ticket sales reached $24,357,695 from 521,950 visitors, marking a 35.3 percent increase.

Prime Minister’s Commitment to Tourism

During an undercover visit to Siem Reap, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed concern over the low tourist numbers during the off-peak season. He acknowledged Siem Reap’s vast potential to attract visitors and its critical role in driving economic development.

Manet stressed the importance of the tourism sector in creating employment and enhancing the country’s reputation. He attributed the sector’s challenges to global issues such as Covid-19 and international conflicts. The pandemic led to business closures and hardships for those in the tourism industry, and although Covid-19 has receded, ongoing global conflicts and economic crises continue to impact tourism.

To aid recovery, Manet emphasized the need for a safe and stable environment to attract tourists. He highlighted the government’s efforts, including spending $50 million to reactivate tourism activities and facilitate advancements across the country.

Seasonal Variations and Strategic Measures

Manet pointed out the stark difference in tourist arrivals between the high and low seasons. From October 2023 to March 2024, Cambodia saw 3,000 to 5,000 foreign visitors daily, compared to 1,300 to 1,900 during the low season from June onwards. He called for solutions to stabilize tourism throughout the year, including conducting studies on reducing airport parking prices and entry fees to major attractions during the low season.

“We should take problems as lessons learned and find solutions to address them. In this matter, we should also give some discounts during this low season, especially tickets for Angkor,” he stated.

Enhancing Visitor Convenience

The Prime Minister also mentioned initiatives to streamline the tourist experience, such as implementing e-arrivals and e-visa facilities, and enabling e-payment access upon arrival in Cambodia. These measures aim to save visitors time and reduce the hassle of obtaining official documents, making their stay more convenient and enjoyable.

Here’re Some of Angkor Times’ Mechanisms to Boost Tourism in Cambodia: A Strategic Approach

1. Develop Long-Term Strategic Plans: Establish strategic plans for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years to guide tourism development.
2. Seek Partnerships: Collaborate with local and international partners for financing, budgeting, and educating tour operators to expand services across the country.
3. Enhance Hospitality: Train tourism service providers to improve service quality, packaging, and pricing, ensuring a hygienic and attractive experience for tourists.
4. Media Involvement: Encourage media participation in promoting Cambodian tourism.
5. Embassy Participation: Involve Cambodian embassies in global tourism promotion campaigns.
6. Educational Initiatives: Engage educational institutions in creating content and promoting tourism.
7. Youth Involvement: Mobilize youth networks to create and share tourism-related content.
8. Simplify Visa Processes: Implement policies to ease visa fees and streamline digital transportation and payment services for tourists.
9. Environmental Stewardship: Encourage environmental conservation and active participation in promoting tourist sites.
10. Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local and international influencers to promote Cambodia.
11. Funding Initiatives: Seek stipends from business leaders to fund tourism promotion.
12. Ensure Safety: Enhance safety and security measures for tourists.
13. Professional Development: Improve the capacity of tourism professionals and streamline operational efficiency.
14. Combat Corruption: Eliminate corruption and favoritism within the Ministry of Tourism.
15. Promote Khmer Cuisine: Widely promote famous Khmer foods.

By implementing these strategies, Cambodia can attract more tourists during the low season and strengthen its tourism industry, ensuring sustained economic growth and development.

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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.

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Cambodia Reaffirms Its Commitment to a Safe and Welcoming Tourism Environment

Cambodia has once again underscored its position as a safe, secure, and stable destination for both domestic and international travelers, reassuring visitors that tourism across the Kingdom continues without disruption. In a formal response issued on January 19, the Ministry of Tourism addressed recent Cambodia travel advisories released by certain foreign missions, emphasizing that these notices do not reflect the current reality on the ground. According to the ministry, the advisories and accompanying maps may have unintentionally created confusion among the public and travelers, especially international tourists, about Cambodia’s overall safety situation, despite the fact that daily life and tourism activities are proceeding as normal nationwide.

Major Tourist Destinations Remain Fully Open and Operational

The Ministry of Tourism made it clear that Cambodia’s key tourism hubs are functioning normally and continue to welcome visitors with confidence. “Major tourism destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk and other tourism sites, continue to operate normally and remain fully open to warmly welcome visitors, with safety and security duly ensured,” the ministry stated. From cultural landmarks and heritage sites to coastal destinations and urban centers, tourism services, infrastructure, and hospitality operations remain intact, allowing travelers to explore Cambodia without interruption or concern.

Ministry of Tourism Calls for Responsible and Accurate Information Sharing

Highlighting the importance of clear communication, the Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its openness to cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions, media organizations, and tourism stakeholders. The ministry stressed its ongoing commitment to providing accurate and factual tourism related information to support informed travel decisions and to ensure balanced reporting. It also urged the public, embassies, national and international media, tourists, and all relevant stakeholders to help share information responsibly, recognizing that accurate messaging plays a vital role in maintaining traveler confidence and protecting Cambodia’s tourism reputation.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s message is clear and consistent. The country remains open, safe, and ready to welcome visitors from around the world. While acknowledging that misunderstandings can arise from incomplete or unclear information, the Ministry of Tourism continues to emphasize transparency, cooperation, and responsibility in communication. For travelers considering Cambodia, the reassurance from authorities reflects a stable tourism environment where safety, hospitality, and cultural richness remain at the heart of the travel experience.

Source: AKP

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Phnom Penh police recently apprehended two Chinese nationals involved in a horrifying kidnapping scheme where victims were forced into suitcases as part of ransom demands. The crime, which targeted Chinese and Vietnamese women, has shocked the local and international communities, raising urgent questions about personal safety, law enforcement, and the broader implications of criminal networks operating in Cambodia.

The Crime Unfolds

On January 26, 2025, Cambodian authorities arrested Jiao Youke, 27, and Zheng Naiwen, 37, in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district at Borey Piphop Thmey Kour Srov 3 residential area. Their arrest followed an intense investigation into multiple kidnappings that had taken place across the city. During the operation, police rescued Zhao Kang Li, 40, a Chinese woman who had been held captive by the criminals.

The investigation began when a Vietnamese woman, Ho Thi Luong, 37, was reported kidnapped on January 13, 2025, from the Nou DC Hotel in Sen Sok district’s Teuk Thla commune. Her disappearance triggered an extensive police operation, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of kidnappings in which victims were stuffed into large suitcases to be transported discreetly.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted to being part of a gang responsible for six similar cases. Their modus operandi involved targeting Chinese and Vietnamese women, likely due to their perceived vulnerability and potential for high ransom payouts.

How to Protect Yourself from Kidnapping and Crime

Given the severity of this case, individuals—especially expatriates, tourists, and business travelers—should be aware of their personal safety and take preventive measures to avoid falling victim to such crimes.

1. Stay in Secure Accommodations

When traveling or living in Cambodia, always choose reputable hotels and guesthouses with strong security measures. Verify that the establishment has surveillance cameras, security personnel, and emergency protocols in place.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Criminals often look for vulnerable individuals who appear distracted. Whether you are walking on the street, entering a taxi, or checking into a hotel, always stay aware of who is around you.

3. Avoid Isolated Areas

Many kidnappings occur in areas with low foot traffic or poor lighting. Avoid staying out late in secluded areas and use well-lit roads and public spaces whenever possible.

4. Be Cautious with Strangers

Fraudsters and kidnappers often lure victims through friendly conversations, fake job offers, or invitations to private meetings. Always verify the identity of new acquaintances before sharing personal information or agreeing to meet in unfamiliar locations.

5. Use Reliable Transportation

Opt for official taxis or ride-hailing apps with good reviews rather than accepting rides from strangers. If you must take a tuk-tuk or moto-taxi, share your ride details with a trusted friend.

6. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Save emergency numbers on your phone, including local police, your country’s embassy, and trusted friends or colleagues. Cambodia’s emergency police hotline is 117.

7. Monitor Local News and Alerts

Stay informed about crime trends in Phnom Penh and other areas you frequently visit. If a certain type of crime is on the rise, take extra precautions to protect yourself.

8. Avoid Displaying Wealth

Criminals often target individuals who flaunt their wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry, using high-end gadgets, or carrying large amounts of cash.

9. Know Self-Defense Basics

Taking a basic self-defense class can provide you with skills to react in case of an emergency. Even knowing how to break free from restraints or alert people can make a significant difference.

10. Report Suspicious Activities

If you notice anything unusual—such as people frequently moving large suitcases in and out of a hotel or behaving suspiciously—report it to the authorities immediately.

The Role of Law Enforcement and Government Actions

The swift action by Phnom Penh police in this case demonstrates the increasing efficiency of Cambodian law enforcement. However, more needs to be done to prevent such crimes from happening in the first place.

Authorities have since issued warnings to hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Additionally, tighter regulations on foreign criminal activities are expected to be implemented, as the Cambodian government aims to strengthen its anti-crime measures.

Conclusion

The arrest of Jiao Youke and Zheng Naiwen has brought relief, but it also serves as a wake-up call regarding the dangers lurking in Cambodia’s urban areas. While law enforcement plays a crucial role in combating crime, personal vigilance and awareness remain our best defense.

By following safety guidelines, staying informed, and taking proactive steps, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such heinous crimes.

Have you or someone you know experienced a security issue in Cambodia? Share your thoughts and safety tips in the comments below!

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