Cambodia

Cambodia’s Tourism Working Group has requested extending the pilot visa waiver scheme for Chinese nationals (originally set for 15 Jun-15 Oct) until the end of the year, while also exploring similar exemptions for other key target markets. The Tourism Minister pledged to submit the proposal to Prime Minister to help revive the sector

The Phnom Penh Governor and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia Chief Representative met to discuss ongoing cooperation, with JICA committing to 4 new assistance projects and proposing quarterly technical meetings. The Governor highlighted JICA's 30-year contribution to local infrastructure and waste management

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) has provided financial backing for ASEAN-standard training in Siem Reap to boost Cambodia’s tourism workforce and hospitality service standards. The programme trained 70 individuals, split evenly between National Master Trainers at Pop-Up Cafe and National Master Assessors at SPOON Cafe Restaurant. The courses focused on practical skills covering Competency-Based Training and Assessment, ASEAN Toolboxes, and the ASEAN Qualifications Framework to ensure local businesses remain competitive internationally

Cambodia was selected as a featured destination for the adventure travel show Race Across the World. The Ministry of Tourism voiced full support for the production, viewing it as a prime opportunity to highlight the country's cultural heritage and natural beauty to international audiences. The show features contestants travelling on limited budgets using local transport, with Cambodia forming part of a multi-country route that includes China, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia

The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodian Economic Youth Federation Association (CEYFA) have agreed to sign an MoU to support workers in the informal tourism sector, including local vendors, transport operators, and independent hospitality staff. The strategic partnership focuses on vocational training, job creation, informal economy initiatives, and university-level tourism awareness campaigns to improve living standards through sustainable income and targeted government benefit packages

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and Weixin Pay launched Phase I of a cross-border payment scheme, allowing Chinese tourists to scan local KHQR codes across Cambodia using their Weixin Pay wallets. The initiative links Cambodia's Bakong infrastructure-covering 4.5 million merchants with Tencent's TenPay Global ecosystem of over 1 billion active users

Cambodian authorities inspected 195 licensed casinos, revoking the licences of 20 and suspending 29 others, while closing 605 of 751 targeted scam locations. Between Jul 2025 - Jul 2026, 388 cases involving 4,147 suspects across 27 nationalities were sent to court, alongside the deportation of tens of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals. The Ministry of Interior reported that these organised syndicates used advanced technology for crypto investment fraud, romance scams, and illegal lending

The Tourism Minister officially launched the Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030, setting an ambitious roadmap to position Cambodia's capital as a top regional urban destination by 2030. The scheme directly links tourism expansion to local job creation, poverty reduction, and climate action. The capital is actively expanding its attraction portfolio with initiatives like the Chaktomuk Walk Street and new event-ready recreational parks. The city is also upgrading public transit, building dedicated cycling tracks, and introducing a public e-bike scheme

On 17 Aug, The Minister of Rural Development presided over the launch of Cambodia's Rural Road Infrastructure Development Strategic Plan 2026-2033 in Phnom Penh, attended by 374 key stakeholders. The roadmap aims to construct an interconnected, climate-resilient road network usable year-round. Grounded in benefit, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness, the initiative is designed to better link rural communities with urban hubs, stimulate business activity, increase household incomes, and enhance logistics efficiency nationwide

The Tourism Minister led around 500 cyclists, including 18 international riders from nations such as France, Germany, Singapore, China, and the US, in the 179km "Cycling for Phnom Da Green Tourism" event from Phnom Penh to Takeo province. The route passed through historical landmarks like Tonle Bati, Phnom Chisor, Ang Tasom, and Angkor Borei before ending at the ancient Phnom Da Temple. Participants supported local ecology and community welfare by planting 600 peacock flower trees along the approach to Phnom Da Temple and distributing educational supplies to 437 students and 31 teachers across four regional primary schools

The Tourism Minister convened a high-level review on 14 Aug to evaluate the initial 2-month progress of Cambodia's temporary visa-free pilot for Chinese nationals (15 Jun-14 Aug). The trial has already driven a 13.23% increase in ticket purchases by Chinese visitors at Angkor Archaeological Park compared to the same period in 2025. The country is now establishing dedicated information counters at international gateways to resolve border bottlenecks and further streamline entry procedures

Following a 15 Aug meeting between the Tourism Minister and the Motion Picture Association of Cambodia (MPAC) President, both sides outlined a strategy to attract international productions and convert screen exposure into real-world tourist visits. The initiative aims to create direct economic benefits during filming through spending on local accommodation, transport, and crews, while showcasing the country's culture and landscapes to global audiences. The Ministry of Tourism scheduled a "Promoting Film Tourism in Cambodia" workshop for 20 Aug

On 14 Aug, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) under the Secretary of State met with an international delegation of conservation experts at Kratie's Kampi River Guard Station to launch an enhanced protection strategy for the Mekong River dolphin. Cambodia plans to establish a new Dolphin Conservation Command Centre by the end of 2026. The facility will combine 24-hour patrols to combat illegal electric fishing with advanced scientific tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). By safeguarding the dolphins, the government aims to solidify Kratie's status as a sustainable eco-tourism destination while boosting local livelihoods

Under a sub-decree signed by the Prime Minister to enforce Cambodia’s conscription law, male citizens aged 17-25 must register annually between Oct-Dec, with those aged 18-25 subject to 24 months of mandatory military service. Selection is conducted through voluntary enlistment or a lottery, though students, migrant workers, and overseas civil servants can defer service for up to 4 one-year periods, and specialists in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare may apply for exemptions. Conscripts receive a monthly allowance of about $100 USD, medical care, and benefits equivalent to professional soldiers, including category-specific disability or death protections

Despite the prolonged closure of their land border, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Thailand reached $1.61 billion USD from Jan-Jul 2026 (-32.7% YoY), up from Jan 2026's 43.5% contraction. Cambodian exports proved more resilient, falling 14% to $420 million USD, while imports from Thailand dropped 37.5% to $1.19 billion USD, significantly reducing Cambodia's trade deficit to around $770 million USD. While high-value manufactured goods and Japanese-invested electronic supply chains have shifted to maritime transport, full trade recovery remains hindered by higher shipping costs, longer delivery times, and Cambodian government restrictions on importing strategic goods such as fuel and agricultural produce

EuroCham Cambodia’s Business Pulse H2 2026 survey of 154 senior executives revealed that Cambodia's tourism and hospitality sector hit its lowest business sentiment since tracking began in early 2024, with 100% of respondents reporting deteriorating operating conditions and planning cost cuts, prompting calls for flexible visa reforms and a digital nomad visa. In contrast, 55% of transport and logistics firms reported benefits from government reforms, such as the elimination of 9 customs forms and 24/7 operations at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, despite 75% still citing heavy bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the real estate and construction industry maintained a subdued outlook but achieved a major regulatory milestone in May 2026 with an agreement allowing Cambodia to adopt European structural design standards (Eurocodes) by Jun 2027. Across all sectors, 62% of businesses cited excessive bureaucracy and 59% noted duplicated documentation requests, indicating that while government reforms are moving in a positive direction, faster and more consistent implementation is required

On 9 Aug, the Tourism Minister met with representatives from 8 ecotourism and indigenous communities in Stung Treng province, including Tbong Khla Dolphin Pool, Chour Veang, Koh Preah, O’Russey Kandal, Borey O’Svay, Preah Rumkel, and Koh Han Beauty. The meeting addressed key operational challenges in infrastructure, service quality, human resources, and market access while aiming to transform local offerings like river cruises, cycling, camping, and dolphin watching into commercial tourism products

On 7 Aug, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) signed a partnership agreement with Art for Kep at Knai Bang Chatt to promote Kep as a cultural and marine tourism destination, supported by CTB's Matching Grant Programme For Overseas Promotion of Events. Kep will host Southeast Asia's first underwater art museum, the S.E.A. Ocean Gallery. The project features an onshore visitor centre at Kep West and Knai Bang Chatt, as well as an offshore site in the Koh Karang marine protection area featuring 3D-printed sculptures designed as artificial reefs. With biodiversity mapping and installations taking place throughout 2026 and further site development extending into early 2027, the gallery is scheduled to open around the end of the year, providing boat, diving, and snorkelling access to raise international awareness and support long-term environmental conservation

Under the Ministry of Commerce's latest weekly pricing schedule, starting at 1pm on 11 Aug, retail fuel prices in Cambodia have been set at 4,150 riel per litre for regular gasoline (Gasoline 92) and 4,850 riel per litre for diesel (Gasoil 10ppm)

The Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed over 5,750 Chinese visitors in Jul (+0.54% YoY), whilst total Chinese arrivals to the site reached 39,742 from Jan-Jul (-25.4% YoY)

The 5km "Run for the Mekong River Dolphins: Connecting Tourism in the Green Season" was held on 9 Aug in Stung Treng province, bringing together around 1,000 participants. The run supported the Ministry of Tourism's "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign by raising awareness for the protection of Mekong River dolphins, their sanctuary habitats, flooded forests, and riverine community activities

A special 6-course fundraising dinner at the resort's Independence Ballroom was organised by Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort, SPOONS Cambodia, and the Chef Outta Water program, with support from the Australian Volunteers Program, bringing together over 60 guests to support Cambodian hospitality talent. Featuring dishes by international and local chefs, the event featured fresh local seafood, traditional Khmer entertainment, and a charity auction to raise funds for SPOONS Cambodia (a Siem Reap-based non-profit that has trained over 600 graduates). All proceeds will fund the SPOONS Alumni Professional Development Program to provide advanced leadership training, mentoring, and international exchanges for 300 alumni, directly benefiting a network that includes ten graduates currently employed at Novotel Sihanoukville

The 12-month Cambodia Resilient River Basin Masterplan Phase 1 was launched on 7 Aug by the Cambodian Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and the Asian Development Bank, aiming to establish management and investment plans for the 11 tributary sub-basins of the Tonle Sap River Basin Group. The initiative focuses on water allocation, flood and drought management, climate resilience, and future water infrastructure investments, with plans to eventually expand to Cambodia’s 5 other river basin groups

Following a diplomatic meeting on 6 Aug between Cambodian Minister of Tourism and the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Luxembourg, Luxembourg reinforced its commitment to bolstering Cambodia’s hospitality sector through advanced vocational training and human resource development. Under the Cambodia-Luxembourg Indicative Cooperation Programme, Luxembourg will leverage its hospitality expertise to raise service standards and support the Ministry’s Vocational School of Tourism (VST). The Cambodian Minister encouraged the embassy to foster foreign investment and facilitate fam trips for European travel operators and media

At a Progress Review Meeting of the Tourism Working Group chaired by the Tourism Minister, roughly 150 public and private sector representatives convened to address H1 2026 declines in international tourist arrivals linked to tech-scam publicity, border tensions with Thailand, and fuel price spikes from Middle East conflicts. The government confirmed 22 intervention measures have been fully implemented, including developing Phnom Kulen as a nature-based destination and establishing a joint agricultural Green Belt, while evaluating 11 private-sector requests such as target-market visa exemptions, a dedicated tourism promotion fund, improved domestic and direct international air connectivity, and upgrading national events to international status. The meeting agreed to focus on restoring Cambodia’s global reputation, boosting targeted marketing, hosting major international events, and driving domestic travel

The Ministry of Environment is moving forward with plans for the Te Teuk Pus Green Recreation Destination in Kampong Speu province's Kodounti Community Protected Area. Building on the model of the Phnom Khnang Phsar destination, the Environment Minister confirmed that the community-led eco-tourism initiative aims to enhance protected area conservation and create sustainable local income streams through new amenities, including hot spring soaking pools, natural bathing areas, an information centre, accommodation, and a community market. Technical teams have already finalised land surveys, boundary demarcation, and site planning, while the Prime Minister has backed preliminary local development by installing solar-powered lighting for 303 households

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and ACLEDA Bank Plc have signed an MoU to integrate ACLEDA's e-Payment platform for collecting public service fees. The partnership builds on discussions from Mar 2025 to enable faster, more transparent transactions for investors, operators, and tourists. The Minister encouraged the bank to support upcoming major international events, including the Francophonie Summit and Francophonie Village

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) and Phare Ponleu Selpak have signed an MoU to co-promote the 13th Tini Tinou International Circus Festival, leveraging CTB grant funding to strengthen global marketing and position Cambodia as a contemporary arts hub. The festival is scheduled for 17-19 Nov 2026 in Siem Reap and 21-24 Nov 2026 in Battambang, featuring over 100 international artists from more than 10 countries

On 3 Aug, the Tourism Minister met with the Bangkok-based Belgian Ambassador to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation and coordinate for the 20th Francophonie Summit. The Minister proposed a formal tourism MoU, fam trips for media and tour operators, an investment forum, and direct business-to-business partnerships to build on steady Belgian visitor and investment numbers. The Ambassador confirmed Belgium will send a high-level delegation to the Nov summit and participate in the Ministry of Tourism's "Village Francophonie" side event

According to the Immigration Department Director, since the implementation of Cambodia's visa-free policy on 15 Jun, over 100,000 Chinese citizens have entered the country, with around 44,500 (around 45%) arriving specifically for tourism. He noted that the remaining 55% entered using other visa categories

The Ministry of Interior officially opened a new passport branch service centre at Diamond Plaza KPS in Sihanoukville city, Preah Sihanouk province. The ministry is planning further regional expansion starting with a new centre in Battambang

The Ministry of Commerce announced updated retail fuel prices effective for 1 week from 1pm on 4 Aug, fixing regular gasoline (Gasoline 92) at 4,450 riels per litre and diesel (Gasoil 10ppm) at 5,200 riels per litre

On 3 Aug, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee (Committee 5) of the Cambodian National Assembly met with Singapore's Ambassador to Cambodia. Discussions focused on boosting cooperation in key priority areas, specifically tourism, the digital economy, energy, and food security, to foster mutual progress and regional prosperity

The Ministry of Tourism has rescheduled the “Green Season Tourism Event 2026” to run from 7-9 Aug at Techo-Thipadei Square in Stung Treng. The programme features an opening ceremony on 7 Aug, an exhibition of local food, wild fruits, community products, and an ecotourism discussion forum on 8 Aug, and concludes on 9 Aug with a public fun run themed “Run for Mekong River Dolphins” alongside the closing ceremony. The event aims to highlight northeastern Cambodia's tourism potential from May-Oct, create direct local employment, and distribute domestic and international visitors evenly throughout the year

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) signed an MoU in Siem Reap on 1 Aug. The agreement aims to reduce economic leakage by integrating local agricultural supply chains with major tourism destinations, establishing a mutually beneficial model that boosts farmers' incomes while providing reliable local food supplies. The initiative focuses on 4 strategic priorities, including strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation, improving supply and demand information sharing, promoting local agricultural products across tourism businesses, and expanding agro-tourism and eco-tourism areas under MAFF management

In H1 2026, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) executed a four-channel global marketing strategy targeting consumers (B2C), trade partners (B2B), distribution channels (B2B2C), and foreign peer institutions (B2G). Key initiatives included launching 3 new programmes, including the "500 Agent FAM Trip" scheme (confirming 145 international agents), an Event Matching Grant to co-fund local events, and Film Location Scouting support, alongside hosting around 10 international media outlets and 20 Australian and Indian content creators. Additionally, CTB engaged in 17 international trade shows and 6 sales missions, formed joint marketing partnerships with major airlines, and established institutional links with the Sanya and Singapore Tourism Boards. CTB cautions that the impact of these measures will only be measurable in the medium term, as travel trade partners require time to market packages and travellers typically plan 3-9 months ahead

The U.S. State Department is making its visa bond program permanent for B1 and B2 business and tourism visas from 3 Aug, allowing consular officers to require applicants from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa, Cambodia, and seven other Asian nations, to post bonds of up to $20,000 USD to curb visa overstays. The final rule eliminates the previous $5,000 USD minimum option and raises the maximum bond cap from $15,000 USD. The policy has drawn criticism from immigration and rights advocates who argue it deters legitimate travel, violates free speech and due process, and risks racial profiling

From Jan-Jul 2026, the Angkor Archaeological Park generated $20.3 million USD from ticket sales, -29% YoY. International tourist arrivals fell 30.7% YoY to 428,223 visitors during this period. In Jul only, foreign arrivals dropped 21% YoY to 40,451, whilst monthly ticket revenue fell 20% to $1.85 million USD

Miraku Capital & Development Co., Ltd. has broken ground on the G.A.T.O Tower, a 67-storey luxury mixed-use development designed by Japanese architect Shin Takamatsu in Phnom Penh’s Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) district. The project features premium condominiums, a luxury hotel, penthouses on floors 63 to 66, and a sky bar. The project launched sales from its gallery on Norodom Boulevard

The 11th Angkor Empire Marathon 2026 drew a record 6,500 runners (+25% YoY) to Siem Reap, featuring 5,450 local participants and 1,050 international athletes from 51 countries, led by large delegations from China, Japan, and the U.K.. Runners traversed a scenic route through Angkor Archaeological Park past 40 ancient temples, providing a welcome boost to local tourism during the green season and earning the event a spot on Forbes Travel Guide's list of 12 marathons worth travelling for in 2026

Cambodia’s “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign encourages both domestic and international visitors to plant a tree during their stay. The initiative was officially highlighted on 1 Aug following an MoU signed between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to foster green belts and enhance agricultural efficiency

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rebutted claims made by an UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, following his Jul 2026 visit to the region. Responding to the Rapporteur's statement that 650,000 Cambodians were displaced by fighting, with over 20,000 unable to return due to Thai troop presence, Thailand clarified that the conflict originated from Cambodian attacks on Thai civilians and noted that the displacement figures incorrectly include Cambodians residing in Thai shelters since the late 1970s. Thailand also rejected claims that 900,000 Cambodian migrant workers were expelled, asserting that those who left did so voluntarily following appeals from Phnom Penh

The Tourism Minister held talks with the Chief of International Operations at K-1, the President of the Kun Khmer Boxing Federation, and the President of Kombat Global, to discuss hosting international combat sports events in Cambodia. The initiative aims to attract foreign athletes and spectators while diversifying the nation's tourism market. The Ministry of Tourism intends to leverage these world-class competitions as a global platform to promote Cambodia's cultural heritage and showcase its traditional martial art, Kun Khmer

Cambodia is strengthening travel connectivity between Siem Reap-Angkor and other provinces to extend visitor stays and distribute tourism spending nationwide through multi-destination packages, joint marketing, and regional development clusters covering northern, coastal, and northeastern regions. The Ministry of Tourism launched the pilot 2026 Siem Reap Tourism Service Mega Sale, offering 10%-50% discounts on hotels, spas, and travel products under the "Visit Cambodia Green Season 2026" campaign. Officials have instructed provincial authorities and private businesses to expand event programming and introduce updated multi-day tour packages ahead of major international gatherings, including the Nov 2026 Francophonie Summit

The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has expanded and upgraded a 45.5km section of National Road 7 in central Cambodia, widening it from 2 to 4 lanes using a preferential loan from the Chinese government. The toll-free road serves as part of ASEAN Highway 11 and connects Phnom Penh to the northeastern provinces of Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng, and Kratie. According to local vendors, drivers, and the Deputy Director of the China-ASEAN Studies Center at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, the modernisation has eliminated potholes, congestion, and flying dust while halving travel times from 1 hour to 30 minutes. The project has boosted local vendor sales, increased foreign tourism to sites like Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, lowered accident rates, improved cross-border logistics, and streamlined the transport of agricultural goods

The Preah Sihanouk Tourism Director urged local operators at the Tourism Business Forum 2026 (held 29-30 Jul in Sihanoukville) to improve service quality, staff training, and genuine Khmer hospitality, noting that only 50% of the province's 15,000 tourism workers are formally trained. The forum aimed to boost green-season travel, enhance air connectivity, improve safety, and expand the Chinese market through B2B meetings connecting 30 Cambodian tourism firms with over 20 Chinese travel companies. The provincial administration is upgrading infrastructure, including safety, sanitation, and beach services, organising eight to nine annual events, and prioritising environmental preservation, particularly on Koh Rong

Cambodia secured a $250 million USD ADB loan to support its Rapid Intervention for Stabilisation of the Economy (RISE) programme. The funding will safeguard 2026 social budget spending, advance clean energy, and fund fiscal relief. Target assistance, including income support, debt relief, and agricultural inputs, will reach over 1 million IDPoor-registered households, at least 350,000 of which are female-headed, helping offset rising living costs and employment pressures caused by Cambodia's total reliance on imported oil and gas

According to an UN Special Rapporteur, 20,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced along the Thai border following 2 rounds of fighting last year, with Thai troops occupying some local towns and villages. Closed border crossings have impacted local trade and Cambodia's economy. Despite authorities shutting down over 600 scam centres, revoking 29 casino licences, and facing criminal proceedings against around 3,000 operators, the rapporteur noted that the Cambodian government has yet to act against senior officials or influential figures linked to these illicit operations

Cambodia is reviewing its visa conditions for international visitors, with the PATA Cambodia Chapter President highlighting that per-entry visa fees act as a deterrent. The association is urging authorities to provide financial incentives to airlines to establish direct routes and boost flight frequencies with key hubs in China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is discussing a bilateral cross-border QR-code payment system with the Philippines to streamline retail transactions and encourage local currency usage in trade and tourism. The NBC is integrating international card networks, UnionPay, Alipay, and Weixin Pay into its network, enabling foreign visitors to scan KHQR codes using the Bakong Tourist application

The Ministry of Commerce, alongside the Cambodian Halal Product Inspection Committee (CHPIC), has launched a nationwide campaign to promote and facilitate registration for Cambodia Halal Product Technical Standard Certification. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of local goods and access global halal markets by promoting revised Prakas No. 070. Key reforms include shortening processing times from 90 to 60 working days, extending certificate validity to 2 years, allowing individual registrations, expanding certified product listings, and educating businesses on enforcement against non-certified logo misuse. The campaign runs from Jul-Dec 2026 across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot, Kep, and Preah Sihanouk, featuring dedicated booths offering guidance and on-site application assistance

The Ministry of Tourism has launched the pilot “2026 Siem Reap Tourism Service Mega Sale” starting 1 Aug to boost local travel during the Green Season. The campaign offers national and international visitors 10%-50% discounts on services at participating three-, four-, and five-star establishments when booked online at www.cambodiawonder.com

On 30 Jul, the Prime Minister met Phoenix Voyages Group Chairman at the Peace Palace to discuss expanding tourism investments and major international sporting events, including the 10th Angkor Ultra Trail scheduled for Jan 2027. During the meeting, the Chairman proposed staging additional sporting fixtures, expanding operations, and promoting Cambodian culture globally, whilst the PM highlighted government strategies to boost the sector by ensuring visitor safety, lowering travel costs, raising service standards, and leveraging sports tourism alongside historic landmarks

Cambodia is launching pilot nighttime temple visits and expanding film tourism. Announced by the Tourism Minister on 29 Jul, the initiative includes trialling nighttime visits at 1 or 2 selected temples alongside complementary evening activities, as well as rolling out evening tourism services at the Bakong “My Village” Community to support local economies. Simultaneously, Cambodia is courting international film productions to showcase its cultural heritage, with recent projects including a foreign-marketed promotional film and a short film starring Cambodian and South Korean actors shot at key national landmarks

At the Tourism Business Forum 2026 in Preah Sihanouk, the Vice Mayor of Wuxi City in Jiangsu Province pledged to deepen tourism, cultural, and investment ties with Preah Sihanouk. He outlined plans to leverage Cambodia's Jun-Oct visa-free policy for Chinese citizens to build cross-border routes, whilst highlighting Wuxi's own travel agency incentives, 240-hour visa-free transit, and enhanced tax refund schemes

Following new U.S. Section 301 measures announced on 23 Jul, Cambodia's estimated trade-weighted effective tariff on exports to the U.S. rose from 11.6% to 12.2%, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Although Cambodia's rate remains above the ASEAN average of 11.1%, expanded product exemptions helped moderate the regional impact, leaving Cambodia's effective tariff lower than neighbouring Vietnam (12.6%) and Thailand (13.9%)

During a 30 Jul meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet, the President of Asian tour operator Phoenix Voyages Group pledged to expand investments in Cambodia, promote its cultural heritage globally, and organise more sporting events. He detailed preparations for the 10th Angkor Ultra Trail, scheduled for Jan at Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park

Preah Sihanouk province hosted a tourism-sports armwrestling competition from 26-28 Jul under the theme “Sports for Tourism, Tourism for All”. The tournament featured 88 athletes competing across 3 weight divisions

Under a Cambodian government promotion programme, nearly one-third of Preah Sihanouk province's stalled investment projects have resumed construction or operations. A Jun 2026 joint survey identified 428 projects with 468 unfinished buildings, with 128 projects (33.8%) now resolved. Between 2024 and Q2 2026, the Investment Promotion Working Group approved incentives for 491 projects worth $8.4 billion USD, backed by extended property tax exemptions until 2028 from the Prime Minister

The growth corridor south of Phnom Penh surrounding Techo International Airport (TIA) has become a major real estate hub, with 55-75 projects currently completed or under development. The area currently features up to 35 gated housing schemes, 8 condominium projects, and over 30 commercial and logistics developments. By 2030, market projections suggest gated housing projects to reach 40-60, condominiums to grow to 10-20 projects, while commercial, hotel, retail, office, and industrial/logistics properties are anticipated to grow the fastest

The Ministry of Tourism has appointed Cambodian endurance cyclist Tiv Dararith as a Tourism Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his 730-day, 58,000km expedition across 40 countries in Asia, Europe, and Southern Africa

The Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) and the Heilongjiang Travel Agent Association signed an MoU in Phnom Penh on 21 Jul to strengthen two-way tourism cooperation. The agreement will see CATA host Heilongjiang travel agents on familiarisation visits to showcase local products and destinations

According to community leaders and the Ministry of Environment, infrastructure improvements under the Khnang Phsar Green Tourism Project in Kampong Speu province have transformed Khnang Phsar into one of Cambodia's fastest-growing ecotourism destinations. Key developments include a 7km access road, visitor centre, market, and seven scenic viewpoints managed by the Roleak Kang Choeung Community Protected Area. The project has driven a major economic shift, with roughly 95% of local residents transitioning from forest resource collection to providing tourism services, accommodation, and regional produce

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Trade Representative to impose fresh tariffs against 60 trading partners, including Cambodia, for failing to enact or effectively enforce bans on importing goods produced with forced labour. The new measure applies a 10% tariff rate to 17 economies that have partial regimes or commitments in place, while uncompliant economies face a 12.5% rate. The policy includes targeted product exemptions for essential raw materials, goods whose taxation could cause widespread domestic disruption, and specific products from compliant trading partners intended to encourage enforcement

On 23 Jul, the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister met the South Korean Foreign Minister at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila to reaffirm their strategic partnership. The 2 ministers discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, people-to-people exchanges, and combating transnational crimes such as online scams. Looking ahead, Cambodia expressed its readiness to collaborate with Korea on joint commemorative activities for the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2027

The Interior Minister has issued a decision to temporarily suspend the Director of the Tourism Police Department under the General Commissariat of National Police, pending an official investigation. The administrative order requires the Director to report in person to the National Police's Personnel Office every working day during office hours. The Ministry of Interior did not disclose the reasons behind the investigation or name an acting replacement, noting only that the measure takes immediate effect and repeals any conflicting prior provisions

According to a Ministry of Tourism report, in H1 2026: International arrivals to Cambodia reached 1.75 million (-47.9% YoY) Cambodia attracted 452,263 Chinese visitors (-22.9% YoY), 447,692 Vietnamese visitors (-27.7% YoY), and 104,636 American visitors (-11.3% YoY)