Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia has experienced a significant boost in its tourism sector, welcoming over 1.1 million Chinese tourists within the first eleven months of 2025. This impressive figure represents a substantial increase of nearly 44% compared to the same period in the previous year, 2024.
According to statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia’s total international tourist arrivals reached almost 5.2 million between January and November 2025. Among these, visitors from China constituted the largest single group, with more than 1.1 million individuals choosing Cambodia as their travel destination, showcasing a robust growth trend.
These positive statistics were unveiled during the opening ceremony of the ‘Cambodia-China International Tourism Business Matching Forum,’ held on December 20 at the Sokha Residency Hotel in Phnom Penh. The event brought together more than 500 participants, including high-ranking officials such as His Excellency Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Jiang Chao, a representative from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cambodia. Also in attendance were leaders and representatives from various ministries, institutions, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB), Chinese and Cambodian business associations, tourism companies, and entrepreneurs.
During his address, H.E. Huot Hak expressed his enthusiasm for the growing number of Chinese tourists visiting Cambodia. He attributed this encouraging trend to the strong friendship and excellent cooperation between the governments and peoples of both nations. The Minister also extended his gratitude to Chinese business delegates for personally exploring Cambodia’s vast tourism potential and investment opportunities, reassuring them that Cambodia remains a safe, friendly, and exceptionally hospitable international tourist destination.
To further enhance Cambodia’s appeal and attract even more Chinese visitors, the government has implemented several strategic initiatives. Notably, a trial visa exemption program will be launched, allowing Chinese citizens to stay in Cambodia for up to 14 days without requiring a prior visa. This trial period will span four months, from June 15 to October 15, 2026, coinciding with Cambodia’s ‘green season.’
Under this initiative, Chinese passport holders traveling directly from China or other countries will not need to apply for a visa in advance or pay any fees. They will only be required to complete an E-arrival card upon entry. H.E. Huot Hak urged all stakeholders to actively promote Cambodia’s tourism potential, investment prospects, and particularly this upcoming visa exemption program for Chinese citizens in 2026, aiming to significantly boost tourist arrivals.
The Minister also highlighted the diverse tourism potential and investment opportunities available in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. With a population exceeding two million and ongoing development across all sectors, Phnom Penh boasts nearly 1,600 tourism service providers. The city welcomed over 11 million visitors, both domestic and international, with more than 1.1 million international tourists visiting Phnom Penh alone in the first eleven months of 2025.
The ‘Cambodia-China International Tourism Business Matching Forum’ facilitated interaction between over 63 tourism companies and buyers from 14 cities and provinces in China, including Beijing, as well as delegates from Malaysia and Vietnam. On the selling side, more than 75 major Cambodian tour operators, including national carrier Air Cambodia and various renowned international hotel brands, participated. The Ministry of Tourism anticipates that the forum will lead to the signing of numerous contracts for Cambodian tourism packages, further strengthening bilateral ties and boosting the industry. As part of the event, buyers were also offered familiarization trips to explore Cambodia’s diverse tourist destinations, including Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap.
