Cambodia

At the International Tourism, Arts and Culture Exhibition and Conference (INTAC 2026), held from 2-4 October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Cambodia showcased its tourism assets, cultural heritage, and potential exports to elevate its profile among international visitors and trade partners

The Ministry of Environment and the World Bank have agreed to expand cooperation on environmental protection, natural resource management, and green tourism to enhance local livelihoods and economic growth. Both sides reaffirmed joint commitments under the Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project (CSLEP) and the Ministry's Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028. Key developments include advancing road infrastructure to Khnang Phsar in Kampong Speu province's Cardamom Mountains National Park and studying a proposed 10-kilometre route connecting Khnang Phsar to the Chi Phat area in Koh Kong province

In response to public scrutiny and concerns raised on the "Chakho Podcast", Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed feedback from industry operators, content creators, and the public to address a sharp drop in international visitor arrivals. To support recovery, particularly in Siem Reap province, the government is implementing a target intervention plan alongside 6 key strategies and the "Visit Cambodia during Green Season" campaign. Concurrently, the PM instructed Tourism Minister Huot Hak to diversify the nation’s tourism brand beyond historical temples into ecotourism, islands, and mountains

The APSARA National Authority (ANA) conducted a 2-day training course, “Enhancing Knowledge of the Values of Angkor and Conservation Work”, to equip 40 site officials and tourism agents with the expertise to act as responsible heritage educators. Led by 4 guest experts, the programme covered ancient city structures, conservation history, tangible and living heritage, and ancient inscriptions alongside Khmer literature to ensure staff deliver accurate historical information to site visitors

The World Bank downgraded Cambodia’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 3.5% (down from 5.3% in 2025), citing a real estate correction, tighter credit, and surging fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, with retail gasoline up 33.7% to $1.27 USD per litre and diesel up 46.7% to $1.39 USD per litre. However, a 7.2% YoY rise in garment, textile, footwear, and travel product exports to $11.76 billion USD partially cushioned overall growth, with medium-term GDP projected to rebound to 4% in 2027 and 5% in 2028

The 2026 Coastal Green Season celebration in Kampot province concluded on 4 Oct, attracting roughly 100,000 visitors under the theme "the potential of gastronomy tourism and the beauty of the coastal region during the green season". The 3-day event showcased domestic tourism's vital role in supporting local businesses during the low season. Following the Kampot hub event, the campaign will hold its final grand closing in Phnom Penh in late Oct or early Nov

The Kandal (Cambodia) and An Giang (Vietnam) provincial administrations officially opened the Chrey Thom-Khanh Binh international border gate on 3 Oct. The upgrade supports the 2 nations' target to reach $20 billion USD in bilateral trade, following a 7% YoY increase to $5.98 billion USD from Jan-Aug 2026, making Vietnam Cambodia’s third-largest trading partner

During a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) on 2 Oct, a Citystar Group delegation led by its Founder announced plans to expand its 20-year investment footprint in Cambodia's tourism, hospitality, and property sectors. The expansion focuses on bringing new 5-star hotel investment partners into the country and developing high-end residential projects in Phnom Penh

Over 2,000 visitors from 26 countries gathered on Bokor Mountain on 4 Oct for the "Run for Green Tourism" obstacle race. The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with the Kampot Provincial Administration, with participation from Kep, Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong. The race served as a key highlight of the 3-day Coastal Green Season Tourism Event 2026 (2-4 Oct), which also featured a cooking competition and local product exhibition, aimed at promoting green and sports tourism, expanding local economic opportunities, and showcasing attractions across Cambodia's 4 coastal provinces

On 30 Sep, Dara Hotels Group (a subsidiary of OCIC) and Germany’s TUI Hotels & Resorts officially opened TUI SUNEO Olympia Phnom Penh, marking the brand’s entry into Cambodia and its fourth property in the Asia-Pacific region. The rebranded 168-room hotel near the Olympic Stadium operates under a management agreement between both entities

During a coastal tourism forum at Kampot’s Castle Bayview Resort and Spa, Sihanoukville Deputy Governor Samut Sothearith announced a 2-day "Green Season - Visit Sihanoukville, Cambodia" promotional campaign bringing together local and international tourism operators. The province is highlighting key destinations, including Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Kbal Chhay Waterfall, Prek Kdam Mangrove community, and Ochheuteal, Sokha, and Otres beaches, alongside local seafood specialities like fried Pak lobster, boiled horseshoe crab, and grilled squid. The provincial administration is implementing tourism quality standards, training vendors, establishing feedback systems, and conducting regular inspections to improve hygiene and food safety

Organised by Maybank Cambodia and the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council with support from the Malaysian Embassy, MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 was held over 2 days in Phnom Penh. The event brought together Cambodian families, medical specialists, and 14 participating Malaysian hospitals, alongside a run with nearly 1,000 participants and 5 health presentations at the Wellness Discovery Hub. The event promoted cross-border healthcare accessibility within ASEAN by connecting visitors with Malaysian hospitals to explore treatment options, medical specialities, health screenings, and preventive care alongside financial and wellness solutions

The Angkor Archaeological Park recorded a 27.6% YoY drop in international visitors to 510,528 from Jan-Sep 2026, causing ticket revenue to decline 25.9% YoY to $24.23 million USD. In Sep 2026, individual foreign arrivals dropped by 0.32% YoY to 35,535, with revenue increased by 3.1% YoY to $1.69 million USD

The Prime Minister has announced that Phnom 1,500 in Pursat province will be developed strictly as a public nature-based ecotourism destination, explicitly prohibiting private developers and government officials from acquiring the land for personal vacation homes. To resolve long-standing land disputes in the area, authorities investigated 90 occupying families, discovering only 37 actually lived on-site while the rest were Phnom Penh landowners, and offered a relocation package featuring over 100 hectares of land equipped with roads, utilities, and farming plots 27 kilometres away

The Ministry of National Defence began implementing the 2026 military conscription process, with over 3,000 men and women aged 18-25 registering nationwide on the first day. The service aims to prepare young citizens to support national defence, development, and social progress across the military, public, and private sectors

Cambodia has officially inaugurated the China-funded National Road 10, a 198.5-kilometre, 2-lane highway constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation between Mar 2020 and May 2025 under the Belt and Road Initiative. The route links Samlout district in Battambang province to Khemarak Phoumin city in Koh Kong province via Veal Veng district in Pursat province. According to Prime Minister Hun Manet and Transport Minister Peng Ponea, the highway drastically cuts travel times and transport costs, connects agricultural producers directly to markets, and opens scenic mountain gorges and valleys to nature-based tourism

Participating for a second consecutive year, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) led a delegation, including Artisan Angkor and Phoenix Voyages, to the IFTM Top Resa 2026 trade show in Paris from 15-17 Sep 2026 to target the French and Francophone markets. Over the course of the event, Cambodian delegates conducted over 100 B2B meetings to showcase year-round cultural, coastal, and city experiences beyond Angkor, while introducing the 500 Agent FAM Trip Programme to bring international agents to Cambodia later this year. According to the CTB CEO, expanding partnerships across France and the broader Francophone region is a strategic priority ahead of Cambodia hosting the Francophonie Summit in Nov

On 29 Sep, Cambodia and Malaysia held the Tourism Malaysia B2B & Networking Session 2026 in Phnom Penh, with a second session planned for Siem Reap on 1 Oct, to boost two-way travel under the "Visit Malaysia 2026-2027" campaign. Malaysia welcomed 48,028 Cambodian visitors in H1 2026, +52.3% YoY, supported by 51 weekly flights offering 8,854 seats between the nations. During the event, Tourism Malaysia Director offered familiarisation trips and joint promotions to local operators, while CATA President advocated for combined medical recovery and wellness packages alongside stronger promotion of Cambodia's Angkor region, coastline, and cultural heritage

According to the International Monetary Fund, Cambodia’s economic growth is projected to slow to 3% in 2026 from 5.3% in 2025, before recovering slightly to 4% in 2027. This downturn is driven by higher energy costs, subdued domestic demand, tighter financial conditions, slowing garment exports, and a prolonged real estate correction, alongside border tensions with Thailand. Inflation is expected to average 5.6% in 2026, whilst the current account deficit is set to widen, though foreign direct investment and reserve buffers will help cushion the impact. The IMF recommends targeted fiscal support for vulnerable households, gradual removal of fuel subsidies, tighter oversight of real estate and non-performing loans, stronger financial integrity measures, and structural reforms to enhance workforce skills, governance, and energy security

The PM has pledged ongoing government support for communities affected by severe flooding across the Cambodia-Thailand border, prioritising life-saving evacuations and rescue operations carried out by local authorities, armed forces, and volunteers. Battambang remains the worst-hit province, where flooding across 14 cities and districts affected 21,807 families, forced 856 evacuations, impacted 780 infrastructure facilities, and damaged 35,612 hectares of rice crops. In Banteay Meanchey, heavy rainfall and runoff from Thailand and Battambang affected 6 districts, evacuating over 1,600 families and causing extensive damage to rice fields alongside public infrastructure. Light to moderate rainfall is expected across the Lower Mekong Basin through 8 Oct, with localised flash flood risks remaining over the next 24 hours in Battambang, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri

Driven by peripheral systems of Typhoon Surigae and localised heavy rainfall, torrential rain-driven flash floods across 10 Cambodian provinces have impacted over 44,800 families and forced around 3,700 households to evacuate to higher ground. National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) spokesman confirmed that the rising waters affected 40,384 homes, with Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Siem Reap identified as the worst-hit areas. According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, the severe weather event spanned from 24-30 Sep

The Cambodian Minister of Tourism and the Cuban Ambassador signed an MoU on tourism cooperation in Siem Reap province on 27 Sep to strengthen bilateral collaboration. The framework establishes joint initiatives between both tourism authorities to foster tourism development, facilitate knowledge and experience sharing, and diversify Cambodia’s tourism market into Latin America on principles of equality and mutual benefit

The Cambodian Tourism Minister urged over 300 tourism sector delegates to harness digital technology and artificial intelligence to elevate service standards and boost sector competitiveness. The gathering focused on integrating smart technologies into destination marketing, policy formulation, and data-driven management to build resilient, forward-looking frameworks. The Ministry officially rolled out the Cambodia-coordinated ASEAN Safe and Warm Stamp across eight service categories to improve safety, hygiene standards, and visitor confidence across regional destinations

On the morning of 25 Sep, the Bahamas-registered luxury cruise ship Odyssey docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port carrying 236 international tourists from 17 nationalities and 166 crew members from 20 nationalities

To support low-income, vulnerable, and at-risk families affected by soaring fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions, the Cambodian government is launching a 4-round cash relief program with distributions scheduled for 25 Sep, 16 Oct, 16 Nov, and 16 Dec. Under the initiative, eligible families will receive a base payment per round according to location: $15 USD in Phnom Penh, $12 USD in provincial towns, and $10 USD in rural areas, plus an additional $1.25 USD per family member each round

Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor have both received 2026 MICHELIN Keys for a second consecutive year, placing them among just 12 hotels in Cambodia to earn the distinction

According to the "Asian Development Outlook" (ADO) Sep 2026, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has downgraded Cambodia’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 3.9%, down from 5.3% in 2025, citing weaker-than-expected tourism as international arrivals dropped 47.9% in H1 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, the closure of the Cambodian-Thai land border, and transnational scam concerns. Despite these headwinds, resilient non-garment manufacturing exports (+38.4% to $6.7 billion) and garment exports (+6.3% to $8.0 billion), along with a 23.6% rise in agricultural export value, are helping offset service-sector losses and maintain growth towards a projected 4.7% rebound in 2027. Meanwhile, higher import costs and fuel tax relief spending under the Comprehensive Intervention Program are expected to widen the fiscal deficit to 4.9% of GDP and the current account deficit to 11.5% of GDP in 2026, with inflation projected at 4.7%. Nevertheless, public debt remains at low risk of distress, and robust foreign direct investment maintains foreign reserves at around seven months of import cover, even as downside risks such as extreme El Niño weather, non-performing loans, and global economic volatility persist

Cambodia is in the final phase of preparations to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on 15-16 Nov, preceded by the 48th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie on 14 Nov. The National Organising Committee is holding meetings to ensure all logistical arrangements are completed on schedule. A draft declaration is being finalised by a committee co-chaired by France and Cambodia, while the Prime Minister has expressed readiness to welcome the French President for a historic state visit during the event

At a meeting with the Prime Minister during G Adventures’ 2026 GX Summit in Cambodia (23-28 Sepr, attending 700 delegates), G Adventures' founder Bruce Poon Tip reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting the country as a safe, cultural, and nature-based destination while supporting community-based tourism. G Adventures will collaborate with travel agencies, media, content creators, and Cambodian tourism authorities to showcase the nation to a wider global audience

According to a report from the Ministry of Tourism, from Jan-Aug 2026, international tourist arrivals to Cambodia fell by 44.4% YoY to 2.25 million. China (588,051) and Vietnam (585,711) remained the largest source markets, with 63% of overall foreign visitors arriving by air. During this period, 63% of international tourists arrived in Cambodia by air, with the remaining 37% travelling by land or sea. The domestic tourism sector experienced strong growth, expanding 48.5% YoY to reach 25.65 million trips and helping to partially mitigate the impact on local tourism businesses. The President of the Khmer Angkor Tour Guide Association noted that a steady decline in foreign visitors to Siem Reap continues to hit local tourism businesses and frontline workers hard

During a bilateral meeting in China on 22 Sep, Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport and his Laotian counterpart discussed expanding transport links between their nations across 3 key areas, including extending the road network from Cambodia's National Road 7 to Laos's National Road 13 (part of ASEAN Highway AH11), studying locations to build a bridge connecting Trepeang Ropov in Cambodia with Selamphao in Laos, and establishing a new railway link. To accelerate these connectivity initiatives and achieve timely results, both sides agreed to establish a joint working group

According to the Provincial Administration, in H1 2026, Mondulkiri province recorded 297,042 total visitors (+1.56% YoY), comprising 290,846 domestic tourists (+1.35%) and 6,196 international arrivals (+12.83%). The region hosts 106 recognised tourist sites, including 98 natural destinations, five cultural locations, 3 artificial resorts, and 5 wildlife sanctuaries. To support these visitors, the local tourism workforce of 1,176 staff manages 244 hotels and resorts offering 5,996 rooms, alongside 87 guesthouses and bungalows providing 1,592 rooms

The Ministry of Commerce has announced increased retail fuel prices effective from 1:00pm 21 Sep until 1 Oct, pricing regular gasoline (Gasoline 92) at 5,250 riel per litre (up 450 riel from 4,800 riel) and diesel (Gasoil 10ppm) at 6,100 riel per litre (up 650 riel from 5,450 riel)

Despite cloudy weather preventing the expected sunrise directly over the temple top, large numbers of local and international tourists gathered at the Angkor Archaeological Park on 21 Sep for the bi-annual equinox. The Minister of Tourism joined visitors and officials to observe the event

Phare, The Cambodian Circus, a social enterprise funding free arts education for disadvantaged children via the NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak, has returned to Phnom Penh for 3 performances of its show "Same Same… but Different". The troupe is using the capital shows and upcoming outreach at a Preah Vihear relocation camp to bring relief amid severe tourism drops caused by the border conflict, and slow post-pandemic recovery. To support broader tourism revival, the circus maintains daily shows and will participate in the upcoming GX Summit 2026

The Angkor Equinox Cycling Event on 20 Sep drew 1,299 domestic and international participants for a 12km ride through the Angkor area

During a courtesy call on 18 Sep, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and newly appointed Georgian Ambassador reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, specifically focusing on trade, investment, and tourism. The Minister also briefed the ambassador on the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, reiterating Cambodia's dedication to resolving the dispute peacefully in line with international law

The "Cambodia Tourism Roadshow to Russia" initiative, launched at the Ministry of Tourism headquarters in Phnom Penh, aims to expand and diversify Cambodia's Russian tourism market in late 2026 and 2027. The campaign focuses on promoting local destinations, strengthening private-sector partnerships, and improving direct air connectivity, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the 2 nations

On 15 Sep 2026, the Ministry of Tourism hosted a training course titled “Trends and Needs of Muslim Tourists” in Siem Reap, bringing together 146 trainees alongside regional officials and Islamic leaders to promote a “Muslim-Friendly Siem Reap”. The initiative aims to attract faith-based travellers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East by establishing Halal food options, prayer facilities, and cultural sensitivity training for staff

On 17 Sep, the Minister of Tourism officially launched the Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030, establishing a joint roadmap for government bodies, tourism operators, and local communities to transform the province into a world-class, smart heritage destination. The framework seeks to leverage Siem Reap's rich cultural heritage and natural assets to improve local livelihoods whilst enriching visitor experiences. The strategy introduces new tourism products under the banner "Siem Reap Beyond Angkor", alongside targeted improvements to service quality, destination appeal, and visitor safety. Ultimately, the initiative reinforces Siem Reap's position as Cambodia's cultural cornerstone and a primary showcase of national prestige on the international stage

The Tourism Minister has highlighted human capital development, focusing on qualifications, competencies, ethics, and productivity, as a key priority for the country's hospitality sector. Speaking on 17 Sep at the closing ceremony of the Enterprise-Based Professional Internship Programme in Siem Reap, attended by roughly 300 trainees and industry leaders, he emphasised the importance of bridging classroom theory with hands-on workplace experience. The Ministry is aligning its HoKa training scheme with the Cambodian Qualifications Framework. Since 2018, this initiative has delivered specialised technical instruction to 119 trainees. The project management committee, in partnership with Swisscontact, has trained over 8,000 disadvantaged youths, low-skilled workers, and managers as of the first semester of 2026. Efforts to raise industry standards also include assessing around 2,200 professionals via the Recognition of Prior Learning mechanism and accrediting four competency assessment centres, such as the Paul Dubrule Assessment Centre in Siem Reap

On 15 Sep, the US Department of State issued a Level 2 ("Exercise Increased Caution") travel advisory for Cambodia due to risks of crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnance (UXO), while placing areas within 50km of the Cambodian-Thai border under a Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") warning owing to military tensions and potential armed conflict. The advisory highlights frequent street crime, such as phone and bag snatching in foreigner-heavy areas of Phnom Penh, alongside the presence of violent crimes like homicide and sexual assault nationwide. Additionally, increased caution is urged in the provinces of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Kampong Thom, and Preah Vihear due to UXO risks, with tourists advised to hire local guides, avoid touching unidentified metal objects, and secure travel insurance covering medical care, evacuation, and trip cancellations

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Kampot Administration, Sokha Hotels & Resorts, and the Bokor Mountain Trail 2026 Organising Committee, is hosting the "Run for Green Tourism on Bokor Mountain" trail run in Kampot province on 4 Oct. The event aims to draw domestic and international visitors during the green season. Open for QR-code registration until 30 Sep, the event offers 4 routes, including a 25km and 12km obstacle trail run, a 5km obstacle trail, and a free 3km walk

The Ministry of Tourism is hosting a "Sport Connects with Tourism" cycling event on 20 Sep, starting in front of Angkor Wat, timed to coincide with the ancient astronomical alignment of the Angkor Wat Equinox

Cambodia officially launched the Sihanoukville Province Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030, co-presided by the Tourism Minister and the Sihanoukville Governor, to transform the coastal province into the country's second urban core and a world-class economic, business, and leisure destination. The master plan focuses on driving smart-city innovation, sustainable urbanisation, and marine ecotourism across local beaches, islands, and Ream National Park. The strategy calls for improved service quality, enhanced public safety, and the integration of artificial intelligence and digital technology to boost regional competitiveness

Cambodia registered 16,926 electric vehicles (EVs) between 2021 and Aug 2026, driven by a sharp surge of 6,563 new registrations between Mar-Aug 2026 alone as Middle East conflicts inflated global fuel prices. Ministry of Public Works and Transport data confirms that the national electric fleet now includes 4,974 electric motorcycles and 893 electric 3-wheelers. Academic analysis from the China-ASEAN Studies Centre at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science highlights that this rapid adoption immediately cuts localised air pollution and enhances air quality across dense urban areas

On 16 Sep, the Minister of Tourism and Kampong Cham Governor launched the Kampong Cham Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030 at Kampong Cham Provincial Hall with 300 stakeholders. The plan introduces creative infrastructure projects including a floating steel tourism port, a hospitality centre, riverbank restorations, Techo Thipadei Park refurbishments, a night-time pedestrian promenade, and iconic local statues. By elevating service quality, safety, aesthetics, and sanitation, the strategy aims to build high value-added experiences and reinforce tourism as a core economic driver for the province

On 14 Sep, Cambodia and Thailand launched a 3-day UNCLOS Conciliation Commission meeting in Singapore to establish a legal framework for resolving overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand following Thailand's unilateral termination of their 2001 bilateral agreement (MOU44). The process is led by the Cambodian Foreign Minister, the Thai Foreign Minister, and the Commission Chair. Over the next 12 months, the 5-member commission will work towards a non-binding final report. Thailand insists on resolving maritime boundary delimitation before discussing joint energy resources, whilst Cambodia initiated the compulsory proceedings to secure a rules-based resolution and unlock critical offshore oil and gas fields

Siem Reap authorities plan to begin construction in 2027 on a new road spanning over 20km to connect Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport directly to the provincial capital. Approved in principle, the project aims to boost regional tourism by cutting travel times, improving transport options, and lowering visitor travel costs. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is currently conducting preliminary studies and technical reviews under Secretary of State Khan Mane, with financing expected from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

In 2026, Cambodia’s passport fell 4 places to rank 141st globally and 9th in ASEAN, with its mobility score dropping to 66 due to restricted travel access, such as Taiwan removing its visa-free status and ongoing border closures with Thailand. Despite its low global standing, the passport costs an average of $114 USD, making it one of the most expensive in ASEAN, which experts link to international mistrust over corruption, trafficking, and scam issues, placing an added financial burden on citizens travelling abroad

Cambodia and Myanmar signed 4 agreements and cooperation documenrts on taxation, investment, culture, media and information, during the official visit of Min Aung Hlaing to Phnom Penh

According to the Information Minister, border hostilities in 2025 severely damaged Preah Vihear Temple, causing 562 documented damaged locations and 501 impact craters across the complex. A joint UNESCO World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS report recorded 142 damaged sites in Jul 2025 and 420 in Dec, concluding that the scale of destruction far surpassed previous conflicts and compromised the site's integrity, authenticity, and Outstanding Universal Value. Technical surveys by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre confirmed that MK-82 bombs, cluster munitions, drones, and 105mm-155mm artillery shells struck the ancient causeway, foundations, walls, pillars, lintels, pediments, and sections of all 5 entrance pavilions. The shelling also destroyed the Cambodia-India conservation project site at Gopura V, leaving behind structural collapse and a downed construction crane