PHNOM PENH (AKP) – Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers, with 584,375 international tourists visiting the site from January to July 2024. This represents a 33 percent jump compared to the same period last year.
According to a report from the Angkor Enterprise released on Friday, the uptick in tourism has also boosted revenue, with ticket sales surging by 33.8 percent to US$27 million.
Ministry of Tourism’s Secretary of State and Spokesperson H.E. Top Sopheak attributed the strong recovery of Cambodia’s tourism sector to several factors. “The upgraded airport facilities in Siem Reap, coupled with Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, have undoubtedly played crucial roles in facilitating this growth,” he said. While the figures are encouraging, the number of visitors has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.
Cambodia’s tourism industry is experiencing a strong rebound in 2024, with the first half of the year seeing a 22% increase in international arrivals compared to the same period in 2023. This positive trend is according to a recent report by the Ministry of Tourism.
The Ministry is optimistic about the industry’s future, aiming to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2025. Their projections indicate a potential 7 million international visitors, exceeding the 2019 figure of 6.6 million.
Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, spans 401 square kilometers and boasts 91 ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries.