China news agency Xinhua reported that Cambodia attracted only a total of 1.01 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2026, down 44.8% over the same period last year. The number was communicated last week inthe Ministry of Tourism statistical report.
China topped the chart among the foreign tourist arrivals to the Southeast Asian country during the January-March period, followed by Vietnam and the United States, the report said.
However, none of the 10 largest inbound tourism markets to Cambodia showed a growth. The least affected countries were the UK (-11.9%), Australia (-12.3%) and the USA (-12.9%). To no surprise, the worst declines were recorded for Thailand (-94.8%), Lao PDR (-90.6%) and South Korea (-66.1%).
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the overall decline in international tourist arrivals reflected regional economic slowdowns and the impacts of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.
“Conflict in the Middle East, which has driven a significant rise in fuel prices and disrupted some flights, has also contributed to this slump,” he told Xinhua.
Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate.
The kingdom received 5.57 million international tourists in 2025 (-15.9% compared to 2024), generating a total revenue of 3.87 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism and the newly established Cambodia Tourism Board hope to stimulate travel for the “Green Season”, which starts now and last until October with regular rains.
Outdated visa rules?
However, more and more voices call for a revision of visa rules. The European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Cambodia is urging the government to modernize its visa policies by expanding visa-free entry, reported the Khmer Times. The economic institution calls to creating a dedicated visa for digital nomads and remote workers.
The recommendations, published in EuroCham’s White Book 2027, come as Cambodia launched a pilot visa-free scheme for Chinese visitors between June 15 and October 15, 2026.
EuroCham argues Cambodia’s visa system is more restrictive than those of regional competitors such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Most non-ASEAN visitors must still pay visa fees regardless of how long they stay.
A key proposal is the introduction of a digital nomad visa, following similar programs already adopted across Southeast Asia. EuroCham says Cambodia risks missing out on a fast-growing group of remote professionals seeking affordable and culturally attractive destinations.
The chamber also recommends visa-free stays of 15, 30 or 45 days for both leisure and business travelers, saying more open policies would strengthen Cambodia’s appeal for conferences, trade missions and investment activities. Cambodia could get inspiration from Vietnam, which over the last decade, liberalized step-by-step visa conditions for a growing number of countries.
(Sources: The Khmer Times-Xinhua)
