Cambodia
Latest Travel Industry News
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25-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationCambodia’s Deputy PM is set to meet Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on 27-28 Mar to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in various areas, including tourism, as well as sign several cooperation agreements, including the Agreement on Air ServicesSource: khmertimeskh.com/501262022/morocco-cambodia-to-expand-cooperation-sign-air-connectivity-agreement/
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24-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport has ordered all public and private schools to be closed from 20 Apr-18 May to maintain order and to support the 2023 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, which will be held on 5-17 MaySource: phnompenhpost.com/national/ministry-orders-all-schools-public-and-private-close-sea-games
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24-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundPresident of the Siem Reap-Oddar Meanchey Chamber of Commerce said that China’s consulate-general in Siem Reap has agreed to cooperate in improving economic growth in the region. He has also called on the Chinese side to encourage Chinese tourists to visit Siem Reap and to establish more tourism centresSource: phnompenhpost.com/business/siem-reap-oddar-meanchey-coc-encourage-chinese-tourism-investment
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24-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundCambodian and Indonesian Ministers of Commerce has discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism during their meeting in Jakarta on 20 Mar. Cambodia has requested for direct flights between the two countries to facilitate the flow of tourists, investors, and businessmenSource: khmertimeskh.com/501261545/cambodia-indonesia-to-boost-trade-investment-tourism-ties/
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24-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationAirAsia Indonesia is reportedly planning to launch Jakarta-Phnom Penh flights on 22 Apr. A spokesperson of the carrier noted that plans are currently being finalised and that they “are not able to share anything yet for now”Source: khmertimeskh.com/501261477/air-asias-phnom-penh-jakarta-flights-from-april-22/
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24-Mar-2023 🌏 outboundTuoi tre (Youth) newspaper reported that Vietnam has risen in popularity as a tourism destination for Cambodians, instead of mainly only for medical services. Some top destinations include Da Nang, Hoi An, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc. Indochina Pearl Travel noted that more middle-class Cambodians are choosing beach resorts in Vietnam for their holiday. It added that demand for medical tours remains high, although products designed specifically for the segment are still limitedSource: khmertimeskh.com/501261705/vietnam-becomes-favourite-destination-for-cambodian-tourists/
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24-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationAir Macau is giving out one-for-one tickets to all travellers from Singapore to Macau, to celebrate the opening of its Singapore-Macau route. Air Macau boarding pass holders will also be able to enjoy benefits at many major attractions and shopping malls, including Macau Grand Prix Museum, Skypark Macau Tower by AJ Hackett, and Macau Science Centre. Business class passengers travelling before 30 Apr will also have the opportunity to win a $2,272 SGD-worth hotel accommodation package at The Londoner MacauSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/itching-to-travel-air-macau-giving-out-1-for-1-tickets-for-singapore-travellers
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23-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundCEO of Royal Railway reported that it served around 1,000 passengers on 18 Mar for the holiday. He noted that it serves around 200-300 passengers on a typical weekday. Revenue from passenger business has grown from around $20,000 USD per month to around $100,000 USDSource: khmertimeskh.com/501260779/cambodias-railway-revival-continues/
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23-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundCambodia has been ranked the 12th top destination (1%) for sustainability and conservation efforts in Agoda’s Sustainable Impact Survey 2023Source: thethaiger.com/hot-news/environment/japan-voted-top-sustainable-country-thailand-ranked-fifth
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23-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundPrey Veng Provincial Governor expressed commitment to build more transport infrastructure in urban and rural areas to attract more visitors to the province, as the province “has a lot of tourism potential” but still has “limited” infrastructure. The provincial administration is also working with an inter-ministerial group led by the Ministry of Environment, to establish a natural, cultural, and historical heritage site at Nokor Phnom Cheu Kach Ba Phnom by sub-decreeSource: phnompenhpost.com/business/prey-veng-builds-infrastructure-ecotourism-opportunities
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23-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Environment held a press conference with tourism firm All Dreams Cambodia regarding preserving Cambodia’s natural resources and sustainable development in conjunction with private tourism-related businesses. The Environment Minister noted that training and integration of the tourism sector are necessary to protect Cambodia’s natural resources. All Dreams Cambodia stated that plastic pollution is one of the current major environmental issue and “tourists have an important role to play in contributing to solutions”. The firm promotes the purchase of locally made souvenirs to generate income for the local community, and ensures energy and water access to local communities. It also encourages its employees to use public transport, e-bikes, or walk whenever possibleSource: phnompenhpost.com/business/ministry-tourism-firm-talk-sustainable-trips
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23-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry reported that Cambodia recorded 306,516 domestic trips on 13-19 Mar, of which 51,898 (16.93%) were made by foreigners. Preah Sihanouk was the top destination with 68,067 trips, of which 6,476 were made by foreigners, followed by Siem Riep (42,863; 7,863), Phnom Penh (40,473; 30,365), Kampot (25,233; 2,000), Battambang (25,199; 1,480), Kampong Cham (14,180; 116), Banteay Meanchey (12,295; 93), Pursat (10,630; 82), Kampong Speu (10,108; 268), Koh Kong (8,192; 210), and Kep (7,048; 647). The top regions with the largest proportions of domestic trips made by foreigners was Phnom Penh with 75.03%, followed by Preah Vihear (19.74%), Siem Reap (18.34%), Kratie (17.95%) and Kampong Thom (15.82%)Source: phnompenhpost.com/business/307k-domestic-trips-mar-13-19
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22-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundBanteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Tourism reported that 119,000 foreign visitors entered through the Poipet International Gate in Feb, up 3.59% YoY. Thailand was the top source market with 193,054 visitors, followed by Indonesia (2,747), Russia (2,500), the UK (977), Germany (850), the US (720), France (720), China (659), Malaysia (558), and Japan (329)Source: khmertimeskh.com/501260125/more-than-1000-foreign-visitors-entered-poipet-international-gate-in-february/
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22-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationLanmei University of Cambodia has officially opened its Airbus A320 full flight simulator centreSource: khmertimeskh.com/501259423/international-aviation-flight-simulator-center-launched/
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22-Mar-2023 🌏 outboundCambodian Ministry of Interior and Lao Ministry of Public Security have agreed to facilitate border-crossing processes and make it easier for citizens to visit the other country for business, tourism, or family reunion. The two sides also agreed to step up intelligence sharing between law enforcement authorities to curb cross-border crimes like smuggling and human traffickingSource: phnompenhpost.com/national-politics/cambodia-laos-pledge-border-co-op
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21-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundFive local communities in Kampong Chhnang Province to host the Seed Festival on 21-22 Mar, featuring over 600 participants, including farmers, fishermen, small-scale food producers, indigenous peoples and communities, as well as related associations and organisationsSource: khmertimeskh.com/501258755/kampong-chhnang-seed-festival-begins-today/
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21-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport reported that the $26.42 million USD-worth Stung Bot-Ban Nong Ian International Border Gate Project – which connects Cambodia with Thailand – is now 82.30% completed and is set to be fully completed by end-MaySource: khmertimeskh.com/501259155/cambodia-thailand-stung-bot-ban-nong-ian-international-border-crossing-more-than-80-percent-completed/
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21-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundDirector of the Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Department reported that a total of 8,726 people – comprising 2,226 international and 6,500 domestic visitors – gathered at Angkor Wat on 21 Mar to view the spring equinox sunriseSource: phnompenhpost.com/national/almost-9k-tourists-see-equinox-sunrise-angkor-wat
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21-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe torch relay for the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games has begun in Cambodia, with the torch-lighting ceremony held at the Angkor Wat temple on 21 Mar. The torch will leave Cambodia on 22 Mar to tour other Southeast Asian nations and Timor Leste before returning to Cambodia ahead of the opening of the Games on 5 MaySource: en.vietnamplus.vn/sea-games-32-torch-relay-begins-in-cambodia/250226.vnp
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21-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationForwardKeys reported that flight booked to Cambodia for Mar-Aug made by Chinese travellers is 77% lower vs 2019Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2023/03/21/travel-to-phl-asia-pacific-seen-picking-up-in-july-december/
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20-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry announced that the “Natural Phenomenon of the Sunrise at the Top of Angkor Wat” or Equinox may occur between 20-23 Mar, and called on tourism associations, relevant institutions, journalists, domestic and international tourists, and the general public to participate in and promote the phenomenon under the “Every day is a miracle” slogan of the “Visit Cambodia 2023” campaignSource: khmertimeskh.com/501258205/ministry-of-tourism-informs-guests-to-visit-sunrise-phenomenon-at-the-top-of-angkor-wat/
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18-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry announced the closure of three travel agencies: Kennary Tours, Plus Enterprises Co. Ltd., and Sakona Travel Agency. It added that the ministry will proceed with the closure within another month to allow possibility for all t our operators and the public to protest in case of financial involvement in the operationSource: khmertimeskh.com/501257399/ministry-announces-closure-of-3-tour-operators-and-travel-agencies/
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18-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Minister of Commerce proposed direct flights between Pakistan and Cambodia to boost tourism and investment, during his meeting with the Pakistani Ambassador to Cambodia. He also encouraged Pakistan businessmen and investors to explore opportunities in Cambodia’s food processing industry, especially in halal food. He also proposed holding trade fairs and exploring the possibility of establishing a joint committee to promote trade and investmentSource: khmertimeskh.com/501257573/pakistan-businessmen-urged-to-explore-opportunities-in-cambodia/
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17-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries offered support for South Korea-based Asian Forest Cooperation Organisation (AFoCO)’s new project to develop a nature park in Siem Reap, which will start in AprSource: phnompenhpost.com/national/afoco-develop-nature-park-siem-reap
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16-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundPM Hun Sen has dropped hints of his intention to step down as Prime Minister after a new government is formed after the upcoming National Election, stating that the Cambodian People’s Party “have found potential young successors, and we should better hand over the (baton) to them”Source: khmertimeskh.com/501255719/pm-drops-hints-of-stepping-down-as-polls-draw-near/
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16-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports has instructed educational institutions to encourage and facilitate the youth to play traditional games and participate in Khmer folk dances, rather than throw powder and indulge in water fights for the upcoming Khmer New Year celebrationsSource: khmertimeskh.com/501256156/ministry-khmer-folk-dances-and-games-are-in-throwing-powder-and-water-fights-are-out-for-khmer-new-year-student-celebrations/
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15-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundCambodia has announced strict rules on fishing in Mekong River in efforts to reduce the number of Irrawaddy dolphins killed in nets. Guards are now posted in protection zones in which fishing is bannedSource: channelnewsasia.com/sustainability/cambodia-irrawaddy-dolphins-endangered-extinction-mekong-river-gillnets-3348211
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15-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Minister expressed hopes that the China-Laos Railway would help bring more international tourists to Cambodia, as many Chinese tourists have already visited Laos and Thailand by the high-speed trainSource: khmertimeskh.com/501255451/cambodia-pins-hopes-on-china-laos-railway-to-help-boost-tourism-says-minister/
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14-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationState Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) spokesperson stated that SSCA always “welcome companies that want to add flights to destinations in China, since the government has set a goal of attracting more Chinese tourists”. At least 13 airlines currently operate flights between Cambodia and China, comprising five local airlines: Cambodia Airways, JC Airlines, Lanmei Airlines, Sky Angkor Airlines, and national flag carrier Cambodia Angkor Air, and eight Chinese carriers: Air China, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, XiamenAir, China Eastern Airlines, and Ruili AirlinesSource: phnompenhpost.com/business/aviation-regulator-looking-add-more-china-route-carriers
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13-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundKandal Provincial Administration held a ground-breaking ceremony for a road construction project to improve the access road to Phnom Preah Reach Trop. The project is targeted to be completed before the Khmer New YearSource: khmertimeskh.com/501254270/ground-breaking-ceremony-for-access-road-to-oudong-mountain/
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13-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundVietnam is planning to upgrade and repair roads connecting it with Laos, Cambodia and Thailand in a $76 million USD projectSource: laotiantimes.com/2023/03/13/vietnam-to-repair-highway-connecting-it-to-laos-cambodia-and-thailand/
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12-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry reported that there were 13,934,150 domestic trips in 2022, up 198.81% YoY and up 68.5% vs 2019. Internal tourism expenditures reached around $650 million USD, or an average of $50 USD per pax. Average domestic trip lasts 3D2N. The number of formal tourism establishments stood at 13,597, totalling 80,717 accommodation rooms. Outbound Cambodian tourists reached 970,292 in 2022, compared to 30,517 in 2021 and the record-high of 2,038,284 in 2019Source: phnompenhpost.com/business/international-tourism-receipts-rocket-nearly-eightfold-over-14b
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12-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Seabourn Encore cruise ship docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on 11 Mar, carrying 416 tourists of 69 nationalities, mostly from the US, as well as 441 crew members. The ship is the fourth large ship to visit Cambodia post-pandemicSource: khmertimeskh.com/501253419/on-the-up-resurgence-for-cambodian-tourism-as-another-large-cruise-ship-calls-at-sihanoukville/
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12-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Health Ministry has screened 22,324,389 arrivals from 2018-2022, including passengers and crew of aircraft, vessels and road transport. The ministry said that the figure showed the “effectiveness of the measures taken by the government to curb the import of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases”Source: phnompenhpost.com/national/ministry-screens-22m-arrivals-over-five-years
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11-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundKampong Thom Provincial Department of Tourism reported that the 7th River Festival, which was held from 7-9 Mar, attracted 808,500 visitors, comprising 18,500 visitors on 7 Mar, 385,000 on 8 Mar, and 405,000 on 9 MarSource: khmertimeskh.com/501253129/in-pictures-800000-visit-7th-river-festival-in-kampong-thom-province-over-3-days/
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10-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundDirector of the Tourism Ministry’s Overseas Marketing and Promotion Department believes that the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games would serve as a catalyst to promote sports tourism in the country. The two events are expected to attract 250,000-500,000 international touristsSource: ttgasia.com/2023/03/10/cambodias-sports-lure/
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10-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry reported that Cambodia earned a gross tourism revenue of $1.41 billion USD in 2022, up 669% YoY. Cambodia welcomed 2.28 million international tourists in 2022, up 1,058% YoY. The tourism industry contributed 3.6% to Cambodia’s GDP in 2022. Tourists stayed for an average of 3D2N in CambodiaSource: thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/03/10/cambodia039s-tourism-makes-us141bil-revenue-in-2022
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10-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationCambodia Airways to launch direct Phnom Penh-Beijing route from 27 Mar amid rising demand between the two destinations, operating 3X weekly flights. The frequency is set to be increased to 5X weekly from 17 AprSource: khmertimeskh.com/501252718/cambodia-airways-to-launch-phnom-penh-beijing-direct-flight/
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10-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationCommunication & PR Director of Cambodia Airports reported that “a majority” of airlines that operated flights to Cambodia have resumed their operations, except for those flying to/from Japan and the Gulf region, although Qatar Airways has already announced their plan to resume Doha-Phnom Penh flights. Cambodia’s three airports welcomed 823,000 passengers in Jan-Feb, up over 7.5X YoY. Phnom Penh airport showed “strong” growth, whilst Siem Reap’s growth is “gradual”. Sihanoukville airport is said to “benefit from the reopening of the Chinese market in particular”Source: khmertimeskh.com/501252565/most-global-airlines-revive-services-to-cambodia/
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10-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundCredit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) and Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) have launched the first cross-border initiative between the two sides. It will allow members of CBC and CBS, such as financial institutions, upon obtaining an individual’s consent, to request the individuals’ credit reports where the individual has made an application for a credit facility with that financial institution, or has applied for a job with the financial institution which under the Fit and Proper criteria has to perform the necessary employment screening. With the credit data, financial institutions will be able to make more thorough assessments of an individual’s creditworthiness before extending credit facilities to them and access credit reports for background screening when onboarding hires previously based in Singapore or CambodiaSource: en.vietnamplus.vn/credit-bureaus-of-cambodia-singapore-launch-crossborder-initiative/249674.vnp
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9-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationQatar Airways to resume its Doha-Phnom Penh route from 29 OctSource: khmertimeskh.com/501251646/qatar-airways-to-resume-phnom-penh-flights-in-october/
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8-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundPM Hun Sen stated that presenting Khmer culture and arts is a good thing, but if not done in accordance with proper standards, it would mean destroying Khmer culture. The statement came following disagreements over issues related to social media star and businesswoman Try Dana and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. Dana expressed her dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Culture on social media, as the ministry required her to apply for a permit to do a photo shoot in front of Angkor Wat using ancestral Khmer costume. The ministry claimed that they did not allow her to do the photo shoot as she refused to follow the guidelines of its technical working groupSource: phnompenhpost.com/national/culture-must-be-properly-inherited
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8-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundAngkor Archaeological Park has been chosen as one of the ten worldwide heritage sites for International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)’s new initiative – “Preserving Legacies : A Future for our Past” – that aims to safeguard sites of cultural significance from the impacts of climate change. The park has been chosen as an “observer site” and will engage in climate heritage trainings and a peer-to-peer learning experienceSource: phnompenhpost.com/national/angkor-archaeological-park-chosen-climate-change-project-preserving-historic-legacies
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8-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry reported that Cambodia welcomed 289,208 tourists from 27 Feb-5 Mar, including 23,811 domestic and 51,017 international tourists. Preah Sihanouk was the top destination with 69,949 visitors, followed by Siem Reap (40,120), Phnom Penh (39,143), Kampot (26,262), Battambang (20,920), Kampong Cham (14,364), and Pursat (10,852). The minister said that the current influx of domestic tourists is around 300,000 for a regular weekSource: khmertimeskh.com/501251617/cambodia-sees-nearly-290000-tourists-in-early-march/
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8-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry led a delegation of 11 private firms, including travel agencies, hotels, as well as tourism investment projects, to participate in ITB Berlin 2023 from 7-9 Mar. Cambodia promoted the “Visit Cambodia 2023” campaign, under the “Every day is a miracle” slogan, with a focus on sports and MICE. Cambodia also promoted the 2023 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games to attract more international tourists. Delegations of the Tourism Ministry also participated in several seminars and meetings with the World Tourism Organisation at the eventSource: khmertimeskh.com/501251381/cambodia-promotes-sale-of-tour-packages-in-germany/
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8-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationChinese firm Yunnan Investment Holding Group Co Ltd. to promote the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport project through various marketing strategies, to raise awareness among tourists and investors in Cambodia and globally. The airport has been 86% completed and is planned to be launched for aeroplane operations on pilot basis in Jun, and official operations in Oct. Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd.’s affiliate, AIAI, licensed and financed the project, with a registered capital investment of $800 million USDSource: khmertimeskh.com/501251138/chinese-firm-to-promote-siem-reap-angkor-international-airport/
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8-Mar-2023 💉 vaccinePM Hun Sen approved the Health Minister’s request to turn down 15 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China, so they can be used to help other nations. Over 14.6 million of the total Cambodian population of 16 million have been vaccinated with the primary doses. Nearly 10.6 million have received the 3rd dose, 5 million the 4th dose, over 1.73 million the 5th dose, and nearly 300,000 the 6th doseSource: khmertimeskh.com/501251357/cambodia-to-return-15-million-promised-doses-of-covid-19-vaccines-to-china/
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7-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundPhnom Penh Municipal Hall to prepare 400 buses to provide free transport for people to their home provinces during the upcoming Khmer New Year. Phnom Penh Governor reported that the province has just received another 200 buses from South Korea, which it will use to add more routes this year, especially to Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey. Phnom Penh Autonomous Bus Transportation Authority (Citybus) is currently studying the number of routes and the bus schedules to organise the transport services. The other 200 buses were donated by China and Japan and are operating on 13 routes in Phnom PenhSource: phnompenhpost.com/national/city-hall-expands-free-holiday-bus-service-provinces
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7-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundInternational tourists travelling from Laos to Cambodia through Trapeang Kriel border, Stung Treng province have reportedly increased after the government opened the border for tourists and ahead of the 2023 SEA GamesSource: khmertimeskh.com/501250856/increase-in-number-of-tourists-entering-through-laos-cambodia-border-before-the-sea-games/
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7-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationState Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) spokesperson announced that the existing Siem Reap Airport complex will be “completely closed” once the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) begins operations in Oct. He added that the future of the old airport, its facilities and site “will be the decision of the Royal Government”Source: phnompenhpost.com/business/siem-reap-airport-close-after-new-one-opens
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6-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundCambodia and Thailand to set and submit principles to their respective governments to permit self-driving tourists between the two countries. Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism noted that officials are working to set the rules for the tourists, including requirements such as filling out a form to follow a set of rules like types of vehicles allowed, and that the persons who would be allowed to drive must own the vehicles they are drivingSource: khmertimeskh.com/501249571/cambodia-thailand-set-to-permit-tourists-to-drive-across-borders/
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5-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationChina Eastern Airlines has resumed the Shanghai-Siem Reap route from 3 Mar, with its inaugural flight carrying around 132 Chinese tourists. The route will run 3X weekly. President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents said that the return of Chinese tourists gave “high hopes” for the tourism industry, and believes that the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville’s coastal areas will “remain the most attractive destinations for Chinese tourists”Source: khmertimeskh.com/501249426/cambodia-welcomes-1st-chinese-flight-tourists-to-siem-reap/
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5-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundChairman of Laos’ Alpha Data Technology Lao Sole Co., supported Cambodia’s Tourism Minister’s idea to encourage Lao tour operators to include tour packages for Laotian and Chinese tourists to visit Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the coastal provinces of Cambodia. He also told the minister that his firm is interested in building an 80-metre-tall Buddha statue in Preah Sihanouk province to attract more touristsSource: khmertimeskh.com/501249927/laos-committed-to-attracting-more-visitors-to-cambodia/
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3-Mar-2023 🌏 outboundCambodia and Thailand to review policies to push for self-driving tourists, as well as encouraging mutual tourists and tourists from third countries, to visit the both countries under the “Two Kingdom One Destination” campaign. The Cambodian Tourism Minister added that he will ask the Head of the Royal Government to study how to encourage tourists to drive from Thailand to Cambodia, and vice versa, and for tourists to be able to continue visiting tourist sites through the border card mechanismSource: khmertimeskh.com/501249097/cambodia-thailand-aims-to-allow-self-driving-tourists-to-cross-border/
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3-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Angkor Foundation reported that 156,951 tourists bought tickets to Angkor and Koh Ker in Feb, generating $7,386,792 USD, up over 1,000% YoY. Of those, 79,515 were international tourists, generating $3,743,295 USD, up over 900% YoYSource: khmertimeskh.com/501248959/900-jump-in-foreign-tourists-visiting-angkor-last-month/
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3-Mar-2023 🌏 outboundChina has eased COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from several countries, including Cambodia. It will now allow eligible travellers flying directly to China to take a pre-departure Antigen Rapid Test (ART) within 48 hours prior to departure, instead of a PCR testSource: channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-eases-covid-19-testing-requirements-pcr-art-test-pre-departure-singapore-malaysia-new-zealand-3314341
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2-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Environment, WWF Youth Group, and the private sector have jointly organised a digital campaign to promote Earth Hour, which will be held from 8.30pm-9.30pm on 25 MarSource: khmertimeskh.com/501247841/cambodia-starts-campaign-for-earth-hour/
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2-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry is planning an exhibition of local products, including Khmer food, as well as tourism products and handicrafts, including those from the One Village One Product movement, at the 7th River Festival on 8 Mar in Kampong Thom Province. The ministry is also planning ethnic dance performances, musical concerts and fireworks. The Tourism Minister added that the festival “aims to promote the tourism potential of the provinces along the river and encourage people in those areas to participate in community tourism development work”Source: phnompenhpost.com/business/tourism-ministry-plans-river-festival-exhibition-locally-made-goods
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2-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundPM Hun Sen announced that Cambodia will not treat COVID-19 like a “common cold”, unlike many countries, and stated that authorities are always ready to take action whenever there is another increase in cases. He also urged the public to keep wearing masks in cities and other vulnerable areas, despite Cambodia no longer having a mask mandate. He also urged the Health Ministry to continue the vaccination campaign, noting the Cambodia has about six million doses in stock, with 20 million planned to be donated by some European countries. Cambodia recorded 124 cases of COVID-19 in Jan-FebSource: khmertimeskh.com/501247704/cambodia-wont-liken-covid-19-to-common-cold/
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2-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Minister of Interior announced that the government will consider reducing the costs of issuing passports after “some people have claimed that Cambodian passports are too expensive”. It currently costs $100 USD to prepare a passport in 15 working days, $150 USD in seven working days, and $200 USD for next day service. President of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy believes that the government should reduce the prices so they are closer to neighbouring countries, such as Thailand ($30 USD), Vietnam ($12 USD), and Laos ($35 USD)Source: phnompenhpost.com/national/ministry-may-lower-passport-fees-due-public-dissatisfaction
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2-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationCambodian State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) and Lao Department of Civil Aviation have signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in civil aviation, including launching additional commercial flights between the two countries. Vietnam Airlines currently operates daily Phnom Penh-Vientiane flights, whilst Lao Airlines flies from Siem Reap to Pakse and Luang Prabang 3X weekly. Angkor Tourist Guide Association President noted that Lao tourists at Siem Reap’s temple sites are much lower than Thai and Vietnamese, despite Laos also sharing a border with Cambodia. Laos was the fifth largest source market to Cambodia in 2022 with 92,609 arrivalsSource: phnompenhpost.com/business/cambodia-lao-aviation-co-op-lifted
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1-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Environment to plant 1,000 trees and one million marigold plants, as well as install 50 solar panels and water storage facility, to turn the Preah Theat Basrey temple area in Tbuong Khmum province into a model carbon-neutral tourist destinationSource: khmertimeskh.com/501247012/carbon-neutral-tourist-destination-in-tboung-khmum/
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1-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundCambodia to hold Culture Day 2023 on Koh Pich Island, Phnom Penh on 2 Mar, with the participation of over 4,000 artists across the country showcasing Khmer culture and heritageSource: khmertimeskh.com/501247005/culture-day-to-promote-khmer-heritage-across-cambodia/
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1-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe APSARA National Authority (ANA) and the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) of South Korea have signed an agreement for the continuation of cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea. The CHA have been involved in the restoration and conservation of ancient temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the Preah Pithu temple complex and the Elephant TerraceSource: phnompenhpost.com/national/ana-south-korea-ink-mou-preservation-heritages
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1-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Ministry announced that cruise ship passengers who are visiting Cambodia for a short-period are allowed to apply for a D-type or transit visa, effective immediately. Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter believes that the decision would boost the number of foreign visitors to Cambodia, although he “dares not speculate by how much” since Cambodia has historically “not been a top destination for tourist cruises like Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore”. President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents believes that the decision, in addition to China’s reopening, would help Cambodia attract more foreign touristsSource: phnompenhpost.com/business/tourism-insiders-predict-transit-visa-boost-visitors-cambodia
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1-Mar-2023 🛬 inboundPM Hun Sen has asked Singapore to strengthen air connectivity, in order to encourage tourists visiting Singapore to continue their trip to Cambodia. He also suggested the promotion of bilateral cooperation in education and health services, as well as thanked Singapore for its contribution to the success of the ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in CambodiaSource: khmertimeskh.com/501247417/strengthening-of-cambodia-singapore-air-connectivity-suggested-to-boost-tourism/
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1-Mar-2023 👨✈️ aviationLanmei Training Centre (LTC), the training provider for parent company Lanmei Aviation Group, to launch its Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) in Mar, the first ever in Cambodia. It aims to become a key training provider in ASEAN, but will initially start with training its current batch of students enrolled in its multi-crew pilot license (MPL) and aircraft maintenance programmes, as well as catering to the needs of domestic operators. It aims to expand to the regional market, including Laos, Myanmar, and China. Its medium-term goal is to acquire a second simulator. Total cost of the FFS remains undisclosed but the agreement between the producer, Canada’s CAE group, and LTC materialised with financing help from ABA Bank, a subsidiary of the National Bank of Canada. Canada’s export credit agency, Export Development Canada (EDC), serves as a guarantorSource: khmertimeskh.com/501247401/cambodias-lanmei-airline-steps-up-training-with-cae-full-flight-simulator/
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28-Feb-2023 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, to hold the 2023 Mekong Tourism Forum on 25-27 Apr in Sihanoukville with the theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation”, with an expected participation of 150 international delegates. The conference programme will address job creation, gender equality, food safety and hygiene, digital transformation and a more geographically dispersed tourism approach, among others. The delegates will also be offered local excursions and post-tours that showcases sustainable tourism on 27 Apr, such as Sihanoukville city tour, Koh Rong Island, diving, mangrove tour, kayaking, and community-based ecotourism exploration. MTF 2023 will also host a Sustainable Tourism Exhibit comprising over 20 exhibitors on 25-26 AprSource: khmertimeskh.com/501246448/mekong-tourism-forum-2023-to-kickstart-on-april-25-in-sihanoukville/
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28-Feb-2023 🛬 inboundAPSARA Authority held a ground-breaking ceremony for the Angkor Sankranti Heritage Village, which will be constructed to showcase tangible construction heritage, found in the construction used in temples and the sculptures of the Bayon templeSource: khmertimeskh.com/501246858/apsara-authority-builds-angkor-sankranti-heritage-village/
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27-Feb-2023 🛬 inboundPM Hun Sen has called for more attention to improving green development and providing good hospitality contributes to tourism and social development, in order to attract tourists. He added that the Clean City Competition was mainly to ensure that all towns and capital provinces is closely managing their waste and rubbish, whilst developing their towns or districts to become clean and smart cities that were economically competitive and attractive for tourism, with sustainable environmental protections and social responsibility. He noted that about 85% of tourism businesses have reopened after being suspended due to the pandemicSource: phnompenhpost.com/national/pm-calls-green-development-major-driver-tourism-economy
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Policy Summary
Lockdown Status
Economy reopened, gatherings permitted.
Travel Restrictions
Tourist visas available on arrival. Unvaccinated and vaccinated travellers permitted entry.
Economy Summary
Fiscal support for the tourism industry
13 Jan 2022: The Siem Reap provincial government will cover the health examination fees for 5,117 tour guides to allow them to gain a tour guide
22 Dec 2021: Tax breaks for the tourism industry will be continued in H1 2022
4 Nov 2021: 10th round of stimulus measures extended, with wage subsidies and tax exemptions until Dec 2021
25 Dec 2020: Tax exemption for tourism and hospitality businesses and stimulus for tourism workers
1 Oct 2020: Tax exemption for tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors; stimulus for tourism workers
31 Jul 2020: Tax break exemption for aviation and tourism businesses; stimulus for unemployed tourism workers
26 May 2020: Minimum tax payment exemption for airline; “Credit Guarantee Fund”
31 Mar 2020: Tax and fee exemptions for tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors; tourism worker salaries partly sponsored by gov’t
GDP Growth Rate
Inflation Rate
Consumer Trends Summary
Containment Policies Timeline
- 0 - no restrictions
- 1 - screening arrivals
- 2 - quarantine arrivals from some or all regions
- 3 - ban arrivals from some regions
- 4 - ban on all regions or total border closure
- 0 - no restrictions
- 1 - recommend not to travel between regions/cities
- 2 - internal movement restrictions in place
- 0 - no measures
- 1 - recommend not leaving house
- 2 - require not leaving house with exceptions for daily exercise, grocery shopping, and 'essential' trips
- 3 - require not leaving house with minimal exceptions (eg allowed to leave once a week, or only one person can leave at a time, etc)
- 0 - no measures
- 1 - recommend closing
- 2 - require closing (only some levels or categories, eg just high school, or just public schools)
- 3 - require closing all levels
Tourism Arrivals Summary
International Tourism Arrivals
📋 About This Page
Travel impact dashboard is an easy-to-read resource to stay informed on the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry. Get the latest travel news and analysis on Southeast Asia tourism.
For travel professionals who need regular updates on their source markets. Know when to start marketing for inbound and outbound tourism.
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