Surge in Chinese Tourists Boosts Angkor’s Tourism Sector, 140% Increase from 2023

• Sommana Yan
• 13 March 2024
• Local News
• 2115 Views

In a remarkable uptick, the number of Chinese tourists flocking to Angkor Wat witnessed a staggering 140% increase during the initial two months of 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023. According to a report by XINHUANET on 8 March 2024, a total of 16,074 Chinese visitors explored the historic site, marking a substantial rise from the 6,690 recorded in 2023.

The significance of Chinese tourism to Angkor’s landscape is underscored by findings from the Angkor Institute, positioning China as the fifth-largest source of tourists to the country, trailing behind the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.

XINHUANET further emphasised 2024 as a pivotal juncture for people-to-people exchanges, fostering collaboration between Cambodia and China. This collaborative effort is poised to invigorate the tourism sector, catalyzing attracting both Chinese investors and tourists to Cambodia. Such endeavours are expected to not only stimulate economic growth but also contribute to poverty alleviation within Cambodia.

Highlighting the prospects of further enhancing tourism infrastructure, Cambodian Minister of Tourism Sok Soken expressed optimism regarding the newly inaugurated Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, a testament to Chinese investment. The airport’s establishment is anticipated to serve as a magnet for attracting an even larger influx of Chinese tourists to the kingdom. (Read more)

In tandem with the surge in tourism, Cambodia reaped significant financial gains, with ticket sales to Angkor generating a revenue of US$11,234,675 during the first two months of 2024. This revenue was derived from 235,850 foreign tourists, underscoring the pivotal role of tourism in bolstering Cambodia’s economic landscape and fostering sustainable development. (Read more)

• Tourism and Travelling