Cambodia

On 12 May, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism met with senior executives from the Spanish conglomerate Avasa Travel Group to promote the country's tourism potential to European and Latin American markets. The initiative was facilitated by a fam trip, showcasing Cambodia's political stability, improved infrastructure, and iconic heritage sites. By engaging international travel agency owners, the government seeks to foster foreign investment and position the country as a high-potential, secure destination for global travellers

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and Sihanoukville provincial authorities are preparing to inspect roads and infrastructure on Koh Rong Island to plan a potential international half marathon, which would be the island's first. The Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said that the island is increasingly popular with domestic and foreign visitors, with many foreigners staying for long periods. He also expressed hope that future airport development and direct flights would attract more international tourists

Cambodia’s Cardamom Tented Camp has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the success of its tourism-led conservation model across an 18,073-hectare concession in Botum Sakor National Park. The 12-tent eco-retreat directly channels guest revenue into protecting the rainforest, employing 18 staff members mostly from nearby villages. In 2025, the camp supported 620 ranger patrols covering over 7,700 kilometres on foot, which resulted in the rescue of 2 endangered Sunda pangolins and the removal of 819 snares, 15 illegal camps, and 22 chainsaws. Furthermore, wildlife monitoring expanded to 72 camera traps, capturing sightings of the rare marbled cat and critically endangered white-eared night heron. The camp also boosted its solar energy generation to 13,816 kWh, reducing diesel use by 35%, processed 882 kg of recyclable materials, and launched a 20-household pilot waste management programme in Chi Phat. Looking ahead, the camp manager announced plans to deepen community integration, including an upcoming Cambodian-inspired artist-in-residence programme

On 13 May, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) held a consultative meeting, with the discussion focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), alongside the development of the tourism, agriculture, mining, and energy sectors. The participants established future directions and action plans designed to transform these sectors into resilient, inclusive, and sustainably driven forces for national economic growth

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has formally demanded that Thailand withdraw its national registration of the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temple complexes, labelling the move an illegal violation of Cambodian sovereignty. The statement was issued on 13 May, rejecting the Thai Fine Arts Department's unilateral listing, arguing that such actions have no legal effect on border demarcation. Cambodia maintains that these sites sit within its territory and insists that any disputes must be resolved via international law and existing frameworks. The Ministry urged an immediate revocation to preserve the spirit of peaceful bilateral dialogue

During high-level talks at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace on 12 May, Azerbaijan and Cambodia pledged to deepen bilateral ties, focusing on a complementary "food for energy" partnership. The Special Envoy to the Azerbaijani President met with the Acting Head of State to propose expanding cooperation in agriculture, tourism, and trade. A key outcome of the discussion was the potential for Cambodia to leverage its agricultural surplus to meet Azerbaijan's food security needs, while Azerbaijan supports Cambodia’s energy security

TUI Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement for TUI Suneo Olympia Phnom Penh, a 168-room property scheduled to open in Sep 2026. The hotel marks the brand’s fourth Asia-Pacific location and is designed to serve both leisure and business travellers. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a sky garden for events, a spa, and meeting spaces

The APSARA National Authority issued rainy season safety guidelines for visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park, warning against sheltering under trees or using electronic devices during thunderstorms. The authority recommends wearing high-grip shoes for slippery stones and using blunt-tipped umbrellas to avoid damaging sculptures. Strict conduct rules remain in force, including a ban on alcohol, requirements for modest dress, and prohibitions against touching carvings or climbing structures. Additionally, visitors are forbidden from feeding or interacting with monkeys and are encouraged to use insect repellent in forested areas

On 12 May, the Minister of Tourism held a meeting with the Founder and Director of Narrowcasters to discuss tourism cooperation. During the talks, Narrowcasters shared their 15 years of international experience in creating destination storytelling for famous tourist sites, including those in Cambodia. The discussion focused on integrating high-quality storytelling and multilingual interpretation with modern technology to improve how Cambodian tourism destinations are presented to international visitors. Both sides ultimately exchanged views on future cooperation aimed at improving tourism service quality and enhancing the overall visitor experience at key destinations across the country

During a meeting at the Peace Palace, Cambodia's Prime Minister and an UNESCO representative agreed to expand their partnership in education and cultural heritage preservation. This collaboration comes as Cambodia faces the massive burden of restoring the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sustained 562 damaged sections, including collapsed walls and shattered roofing from projectile impacts during military clashes in 2025. UNESCO continues to support Cambodia's human capital development under the government's Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I through educational policy and teacher quality initiatives, whilst also providing technical expertise and international funding for heritage sites. Experts estimate that stabilisation will take up to 10 years, whilst a full restoration could take 30 years and cost tens of millions of dollars, supported by ongoing assessments from UNESCO, ICOMOS, and the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) co-chaired by China and India

On 12 May, Cambodia’s National Assembly unanimously approved a stricter military conscription law in response to deadly border clashes with Thailand. The new legislation mandates 2 years of service, up from 18 months, and narrows the eligibility age to 18-25. Penalties for evasion have been toughened, with prison terms increasing to up to 2 years during peacetime and 5 years during wartime. The Prime Minister confirmed that enforcement will begin in 2026

On 8 May, the Singaporean Ambassador and the Tourism Minister met to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, focusing on joint market promotion and the development of combined tourism packages. The talks highlighted Cambodia's hospitality and improved infrastructure, with both parties seeking to increase flight connectivity and organise fam trips for Singaporean investors and content creators. In 2025, Cambodia welcomed 44,189 visitors from Singapore

The newly launched 2026 Tourism Statistics Forecasts presents 3 international visitor scenarios based on changing conditions, including 4.6-4.8 million if regional crises drag on, 5.3-5.5 million if the border situation with Thailand does not fully improve, and 6.1-6.3 million if the situation completely resolves. Despite a decline in the number of visitors in 2025, total tourism revenue for 2025 rose by 6.6% YoY to $3.878 billion USD. The Tourism Minister attributed this to a large influx of high-spending, high-end tourists

On 8 May, the Ministry of Tourism officially launched the 2025 Tourism Indicators and the 2026 Tourism Statistics Forecasts for public use. The launch was attended by around 400 participants, including representatives from ministries, tourism associations, academics, students, and content creators

During a trilateral meeting at the ASEAN summit facilitated by the Philippine President, the Thai Prime Minister and Cambodian Prime Minister took steps toward rebuilding trust following prolonged border tensions. While the reopening of border checkpoints, territorial claims, and encroachment accusations have yet to be discussed, the 2 nations are cautiously considering returning charges d'affaires to their respective embassies and have agreed to avoid public "verbal wars" in favour of direct communication. Thailand formally notified Cambodia of its cancellation of the 2001 maritime memorandum of understanding (MoU 44), though both sides agreed to continue discussions under the UNCLOS framework. Following a 5-month period of zero border violence due to joint demining operations, Foreign Ministers are tasked with establishing upcoming confidence-building measures and preparatory talks ahead of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission meeting

The Women’s Association for Peace and Development of the Ministry of Tourism held a meeting to review Q1 2026 achievements and set Q2 priorities. The meeting aimed to introduce the association’s vice presidents and committee members, and to review the ministry's progress report. The Honorary President of the association encouraged members to contribute to peace, good deeds, morality, and Khmer women's values. She emphasised the vital role of women in sustainably developing the tourism sector, urging them to boost resilience and local income by promoting Cambodia’s image through the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam committed to boost their cooperation across all sectors, including tourism connectivity, including increasing direct flights between the 3 countries

The Tourism Minister chaired the first meeting of the National Committee for Clean City Assessment to advance the "Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, Good Hospitality" campaign. This programme, initiated in 2012, aims to enhance Cambodia’s tourism appeal through a nationwide "Clean and Green" movement. During the session, 68 officials reviewed the results of the 4th Clean City Assessment (2026-2029), which evaluates candidate cities based on seven main indicators and 113 criteria. The process involves document reviews and on-site inspections to ensure continuous improvement in urban cleanliness and hospitality standards across the country

The Tourism Minister recently met with the Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Bridge Development Association (CCIDA). The CCIDA pledged to promote Cambodia as a destination and attract major Chinese investors, while seeking Ministry guidance to strengthen its promotional role. From Jan-Apr 2026, Cambodia welcomed over 240,000 Chinese tourists, with China currently ranking as the top source of international visitors

On 4 May, the Minister of Tourism led a delegation to donate food and essential supplies to the Cambodian Red Cross in celebration of the 163rd World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. The donation included 2 tonnes of rice, 100 cases of noodles, 500 cases of water, and various bedding and clothing kits. The ceremony marked the 71st anniversary of the organisation and reflected contributions from the ministry’s leadership and civil servants

The Cambodian government revised its 2026 economic growth forecast down to 4.2% due to global uncertainty, inflationary pressures from the Middle East conflict, and domestic shocks such as border tensions and US tariffs. In response, the Prime Minister unveiled the Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) 2027-2029, which prioritises national security, social welfare, and economic diversification. While growth is projected to recover to 5.0% by 2027, the government faces rising spending pressures for infrastructure and elections alongside a shifting revenue base as it transitions toward green energy. The framework targets an annual revenue growth of 7.3% and aims to maintain a budget deficit of around 1.53% of GDP

From Jan-Apr 2026, the Angkor Archaeological Park hosted 23,965 Chinese tourists, with 5,820 arriving in Apr 2026 alone. China ranked as the fourth largest source of international visitors to the site, trailing the U.S., Britain, and France

The Cambodia Mixed Audax Cycling Club held a historic 1,212km endurance ride around Tonle Sap Lake to promote the "Visit Cambodia in Green Season" campaign. Around 100 cyclists from 7 countries participated in the event, which required finishers to complete the course within a 90-hour time limit to earn a World Audax Record

The Cambodian Ministry of Commerce implemented new retail fuel prices effective 6 May, setting regular gasoline (92) at 5,300 riel per litre (an increase from 5,150 riel) and diesel (10ppm) at 5,550 riel per litre (a decrease from 5,650 riel)

On 5 May, the Thai cabinet unilaterally cancelled a 25-year-old MoU with Cambodia that had established a framework for joint energy exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. The Thai Prime Minister cited a lack of progress over 2 decades as the primary reason for the termination, fulfilling a nationalist election pledge following border conflicts in 2025. While the Cambodian government expressed regret and announced plans for a compulsory conciliation mechanism under the ​United Nations Convention on the ​Law ‌of the Sea (UNCLOS), Thailand maintains that future maritime boundary negotiations will now be conducted exclusively under international law rather than the defunct bilateral pact

On 29 Apr, the Techo Startup Centre launched the Tourism Digital Adoption Initiative to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Cambodian MSMEs through digitalisation. Funded by the Japanese government in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, the 3-year programme provides businesses with digital readiness assessments, technical training, and financial grants of up to 1,600,000 riel for technology investments. The initial 5-month campaign aims to support 500 enterprises, starting in Phnom Penh before expanding to provinces such as Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampot

4 Cambodian destinations have been named among Asia's top 25 attractions in TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, with Angkor Wat ranking second, followed by the Bayon temple (13th), Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (20th), and Ta Prohm (23rd). These rankings, based on a year of global traveller reviews, follow Siem Reap’s earlier recognition as the 13th best cultural destination worldwide

The Ministry of Tourism convened a workshop in Phnom Penh to establish Cambodia’s inbound tourism strategy for 2027-2028. The event was co-organised with the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, focusing on identifying high-value priority markets and addressing regional competitiveness challenges, such as air connectivity, pricing structures, and booking barriers. By aligning public and private sector visions, the workshop aimed to shift the Kingdom towards a data-driven, sustainable model that prioritises increased tourist spending and addresses negative perceptions

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) has launched a "Matching Grant" programme to boost the international profile of the country's national and local festivals. The grant provides up to $20,000 USD per event, covering up to two-thirds of the international promotion budget. Applicants must contribute at least one-third of the costs. The programme is open to public institutions, non-profits, private entities, and agencies

On 2 May, Cambodia launched the "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season 2026" campaign to rebrand the traditional low season from May-Oct as a premium travel window. The Tourism Minister urged industry stakeholders to collaborate on promotional packages to transform the rainy months into a high-value period

According to Angkor Enterprise, from Jan-Apr 2026, Angkor Archaeological Park saw 322,004 international visitors (-32.1% YoY). Ticket sales generated around $15.5 million USD during this period (-30.2% YoY)

The Tourism Minister appointed Thim Sereyvuth as the new Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism, tasking him with enhancing the province's brand identity through unique cultural and culinary storytelling. The new director is expected to coordinate with the private sector and content creators to improve public services, attract tourism investment, and develop night-time experiences in Angkor and Siem Reap city

The Philippines has offered to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia, with a potential trilateral meeting being explored during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu from 6-8 May

The Philippines has offered to mediate talks between Thailand and Cambodia to reduce tensions between the countries. The Philippines' President spoke with the Thai Prime Minister to express his willingness to host the talk. The meeting is likely to be held in Cebu for the 48th ASEAN Summit

The Ministry of Environment and UN-Habitat signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on natural resource management, social protection, and sustainable development. The partnership focuses on capacity building, resource mobilisation, and enhancing resilience in coastal and urban areas. The agreement supports Cambodia’s environmental strategic framework, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, increased forest coverage, and a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 as outlined in the Third Nationally Determined Contribution

During a legislative visit to the Spanish Parliament marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, Spain and the EU expressed support for a peaceful resolution to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute based on international law. The Cambodian delegation discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, clean energy, and agriculture, while also addressing concerns regarding the safety of border residents and World Heritage sites. The 2 countries further committed to mutual international support, including Spain's bid for ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) observer status and Cambodia's leadership of the 2026 International Speakers' Conference

On 29 Apr, the Norwegian-flagged cruise ship Viking Orion docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, arriving from Thailand with 822 international tourists and 467 crew members. The majority of passengers (629) are U.S. citizens. While the majority of passengers spent their time exploring local Sihanoukville landmarks, including fishing villages, markets, and pagodas, a small group of 33 travellers headed to Siem Reap to visit the Angkor temples

The Minister of Tourism led a Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (CTB) meeting to review Q1 2026 achievements and establish strategies for Q2. Key initiatives include the "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign (May-Oct) and a temporary visa exemption for Chinese citizens with PRC passports, running from 15 Jun-15 Oct 2026. The board aims to diversify markets and enhance Cambodia's global profile, specifically leveraging the 20th Francophonie Summit in Nov

The Kong MMA training centre, currently under construction on Koh Rong by Canadian martial artist Dave Leduc, is poised to become a landmark destination for Kun Khmer and mixed martial arts. This facility will offer structured programmes for both professional fighters and tourists, aiming to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the island’s beaches. Supported by the Kun Khmer Federation, the project includes future plans for a dedicated competition arena to host global sporting events

The World Bank approved $300 million USD in financing to enhance Cambodia’s transport network and logistics capacity, focusing on the Asian Highway 21 (AH21) corridor. The initiative will be rolled out in 2 phases, with an initial $150 million USD allocated to upgrade 247km of infrastructure and strengthen trade facilitation. By improving this vital link between Cambodia’s northeastern provinces and Vietnam, the programme aims to benefit 1.6 million people, reduce transport costs, and attract private investment in agribusiness, tourism, and cold chains. The Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) said that the project seeks to bolster regional connectivity and market access for local farmers and traders while supporting inclusive economic growth

On 29 Apr, the Deputy Prime Minister met with Grab Holdings Group President to discuss the company’s expansion and its role in Cambodia’s digital economy. Aligning with Phase 1 of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, Grab plans to broaden its service coverage and explore new financing options for its partners. The meeting also focused on green development, with Grab expressing interest in supporting clean energy initiatives within the transport sector. The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating Grab’s ongoing and future investment projects to enhance user convenience and market reach

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have entered a 9-month partnership, backed by a collective $140,000 USD investment. The agreement focuses on joint marketing and familiarisation trips targeting markets in Australia, France, and Singapore, with plans to expand reach into India over the longer term. The MoU aims to reshape international perceptions of Cambodia and boost arrivals for the upcoming "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign (May-Oct 2026)

Effective from 29 Apr, the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce increased retail fuel prices, with Regular Gasoline (Gasoline 92) rising to 5,150 riels per litre and Diesel Fuel (Gasoil 10ppm) reaching 5,650 riels per litre. These rates will remain in place until the next official update. The rates include government subsidies designed to help citizens manage costs amidst rising international market prices

The Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the role of Geographical Indication (GI) and collective brands in driving economic growth and supporting the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1. Managed by a 17-ministry national committee, Cambodia has registered 78 GI products, including Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, and Koh Kong mud crab, alongside collective marks like Phnom Penh kuy teav. These intellectual property protections create premium identities for local goods, enhancing export capacity to high-value international markets and boosting cultural tourism

The Middle East crisis is impacting Cambodian tourism, with disrupted Gulf transit hubs causing a 32% drop in visitors to Angkor and a 30% revenue decline in Q1 2026. According to a board member of Smiling Gecko Singapore, higher airfares and unreliable routes have compressed the traditional European market, leading to a shift towards regional travellers from Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam who typically spend less and stay for shorter periods. Booking windows have also shortened, with European guests now committing only 8-10 weeks in advance. This downturn directly threatens funding for local humanitarian projects, and while domestic tourism offers some relief, it cannot offset the loss of long-haul visitors, exposing Cambodia's structural over-dependence on a limited number of international flight connections

The US Treasury Department has sanctioned Cambodian Senator Kok An, labelling him a "scam centre kingpin" for allegedly protecting a network of fraudulent compounds that defrauded Americans of millions of dollars. The US claims these operations, housed in retrofitted casinos and office parks, often utilise human trafficking victims forced into criminal activity under threat of violence. While Kok An denies all knowledge of scamming, official Cambodian business records link him to 7 of the sanctioned firms

According to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Cambodia’s economy is projected to grow by 5% in 2026, a slight decrease from 5.2% in 2025, with GDP reaching $53.8 billion USD and GDP per capita rising to $3,020 USD. The Minister attributed this cooling to external shocks and border issues with Thailand, alongside global uncertainties. While the economy remains reliant on garments, tourism, and agriculture, experts advocate for a strategic shift towards renewable energy, digital services, and high-value manufacturing

“The Smile of Angkor” exhibition in Beijing covers over 2,000 square metres and utilizes projection, sound, spatial design, and holographic performances to recreate the ancient Khmer Empire. The project was developed through a partnership between Cambodian and Chinese entities, including X Capital. Since its launch in Jan 2026, the exhibition has generated around 40 million online impressions within its first 2 months. The exhibition will run in Beijing until Jun 2026, with plans to tour other Chinese provinces and potentially expand internationally

The Cambodian government and media have condemned a Wall Street Journal report that used the derogatory term "Scambodia" to describe the country’s cybercrime challenges. The Information Minister and the Cambodian Human Rights Committee officially rejected the label as "insulting" and "sensationalist," arguing it fosters discrimination and ignores the state's ongoing crackdowns on scam operations. During a Khmer Times podcast, editors highlighted that such headlines damage Cambodia’s economy and tourism by overshadowing law enforcement efforts with a single negative narrative. Officials and local journalists are calling for more balanced, on-the-ground reporting and greater government transparency to ensure international perceptions accurately reflect the country's progress

On 27 Apr, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia highlighted that Cambodia remains a primary focus for anti-fraud efforts, citing reports that scam revenue may account for 40%-60% of the nation's GDP. She confirmed that the U.S. has restrained over $700 million USD in cryptocurrency tied to regional "pig butchering" and forced-labour schemes. While acknowledging recent raids by Cambodian authorities on scam compounds, she noted the U.S. is "waiting to see" if these actions lead to a genuine reduction in crime

On 30 Apr, the Ministry of Tourism and the Chinese Embassy will host a joint martial arts showcase at the North of Bayon Temple in Siem Reap as part of the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2026. The event featured traditional Cambodian disciplines including Kun Lbokator, Yuth Kun Khorm, and Kun Khmer, alongside Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi

The Thai Defence Minister confirmed that border checkpoints with Cambodia will remain closed until Cambodia adheres to the Dec 2025 ceasefire agreement. This stance follows the National Security Council's decision to scrap MoU44, ending the long-standing maritime border demarcation agreement and shifting to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) as the primary legal framework. While the Royal Thai Navy maintains full operational intensity to protect maritime sovereignty, official bilateral mechanisms such as the Regional Border Committee remain functional. The Ministry also plans to bolster national self-reliance through domestic industry promotion and infrastructure upgrades for border troops, while dismissing the need for "personal-level" diplomatic talks

The Cambodian Cabinet approved a draft law requiring all males aged 18-25 to complete 2 years of mandatory military service, replacing an unimplemented 2006 framework. Triggered by deadly border clashes with Thailand in 2025, the legislation aims to address personnel shortages and modernise the armed forces. Under the new rules, women may serve voluntarily, while those who have completed their service will remain on the reserve list until age 45. The Prime Minister has prioritised this transition to a conscripted force to ensure a more professional defence capability, with the law set for final ratification by the National Assembly and the King

The Cambodia Investment Board approved a $300 million USD project by Peninsula Imperial Palace Resort Hotel Co Ltd to construct a 5-star hotel in Bavet City, Svay Rieng province. Designated as a Qualified Investment Project (QIP), the development will feature 1,341 rooms and is expected to generate over 2,000 local jobs. This project accounts for the entirety of the $300 million USD invested in the tourism sector during Q1 2026

The Chinese Foreign Minister called for the "complete eradication" of scam centres and cross-border fraud during high-level talks in Phnom Penh. The Prime Minister vowed to "clean out" the illicit industry, noting its damage to Cambodia's international reputation and economy. The Foreign Minister underlined the "unbreakable bond" between the 2 nations, discussing expanded cooperation in security, trade, and infrastructure. Additionally, China offered to facilitate dialogue to normalise relations between Cambodia and Thailand following border clashes in 2025

On 22 Apr, the Tourism Minister met with the Town Entertainment Group CEO to discuss a strategic partnership aimed at boosting Cambodia’s global tourism profile. The meeting focused on a proposed MoU that would see the entertainment firm produce promotional content and cultural events, including sports and arts programmes, to attract international visitors

On 21 Apr, the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and World Bank officials met to finalise an emergency intervention package aimed at mitigating the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. Policy analysts warn that prolonged conflict will inevitably drive up transportation and food costs across all sectors. The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to providing the "knowledge bank" expertise and financing necessary to maintain Cambodia’s long-term economic resilience

The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the newly appointed Lao Ambassador on 22 Apr to discuss strengthening the strategic bond between the 2 neighbouring nations. During the high-level meeting, both parties pledged to expand bilateral cooperation across key sectors including trade, regional security, and cross-border initiatives. The discussions also focused on enhancing connectivity within the ASEAN framework, with Cambodia confirming its full support for the Ambassador’s mission to further solidify long-standing diplomatic relations and mutual interests

Cambodia is preparing to launch the "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign, scheduled to run from May-Oct 2026, aiming to transform the rainy months into a vibrant period for sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Tourism seeks to attract cost-conscious international and domestic travellers through discounted rates and promotional packages. The initiative builds on a 2025 pilot phase, which saw 9.46 million visitors between May-Oct 2025 (+64.7% YoY)

According to Angkor Enterprise, in Q1 2026, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat saw the US emerge as its top international tourist source with 38,407 visitors, followed by the UK (31,358), France (30,322), Germany (18,334), Japan (13,870), and Australia (13,282). In Q1 ticket sales for Koh Ker temple, Beng Mealea temple, Kbal Spean mountain, and boat trips, also generated $448,236 USD

According to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), Cambodia’s oil and fuel imports exceeded $1 billion USD in Q1 2026 (+5% YoY) and established energy as the nation's largest import category at 11.4% of total trade. Mar 2026 saw a particularly sharp surge, with expenditure rising 32.6% YoY to $404 million USD

The Chinese Foreign Minister and the Defence Minister arrived in Phnom Penh on 23 Apr to co-chair the inaugural "2+2" Strategic Dialogue Mechanism alongside Cambodian counterparts. During the visit, the Chinese dignitaries will meet with the Acting Head of State and the Prime Minister, with further discussions scheduled for 24 Apr to advance cooperation frameworks and regional stability

The Phnom Penh Capital Administration’s free bus service provided travel for 119,490 citizens over a 6-day period from 12 Apr. This initiative saw a 39% YoY increase in passenger volume, resulting in a collective saving of around $3 million USD for the public

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) launched the "Location Scouting Programme" to position the country as a premier destination for international film, television, and commercial productions. Under the leadership of CEO Kim Minea, the initiative provides global filmmakers with up to 5 days of covered on-ground expenses, including accommodation, transport, and permit fees, to explore Cambodia's diverse landscapes and heritage sites. Applications for the programme are prioritised based on their potential for international reach and local economic impact

The Battambang provincial authorities and the Khmer Volunteer Athletics Federation will host the "Run for Love" charity event on 26 Apr to raise funds for frontline soldiers stationed along the border. Participants can register in person or online

The Cambodian Tourism Minister and the Czech Ambassador discussed deepening bilateral tourism ties. Both parties pledged to launch joint promotional campaigns and share development expertise to boost reciprocal visitor numbers. The Ambassador commended Cambodia’s tourism progress over the past 15 years, while Minister Hak noted a steady rise in Czech arrivals

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia recorded over 21 million visitors during the 3-day Khmer New Year holiday, including 19.9 million day-trippers, 1.14 million domestic overnight tourists, and 71,000 international travellers. Phnom Penh was the most popular destination with 4.4 million visitors, followed by Kampong Cham with 4.17 million, Prey Veng with 2.32 million, Siem Reap with 1.79 million, and Kampong Speu with 1.71 million

According to the Provincial Tourism Department, Siem Reap welcomed 1,842,438 visitors during the 3-day Khmer New Year period, including around 1,837,000 local residents and domestic tourists, while international arrivals reached 5,438

Phnom Penh’s “Nokor Sangkranta” festival, held from 14-19 Apr, drew over 4.3 million visitors during its first 4 days. According to the Deputy Director and spokesperson for Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, a total of 1,384,511 people attended the event on the fourth day, including 1,374,720 local visitors, and 9,791 international tourists. On the first day of the New Year celebrations, 983,080 people participated, including 7,068 foreign tourists, increasing to 1,565,367 on the second day, and 1,827,990 participants on the third day

According to the Director of the Provincial Department of Tourism, Kampot attracted 432,816 visitors during the Khmer New Year holiday period, including 430,426 domestic tourists and 2,390 international visitors. 286,030 people participated in Sangkranta festivities, while 146,786 people visited specific attractions and community-based tourism sites