PHNOM PENH – Cambodia’s tourism sector has demonstrated robust momentum in the first half of 2026, recording a total of 1.75 million international visitor arrivals, according to an official report released by the Ministry of Tourism on July 24.
The data underscores the continued dominance of the Chinese market, which remains the Kingdom’s largest source of foreign tourists. Between January and June, China accounted for 452,263 arrivals, representing approximately 25 percent of the total international visitor count.
In addition to the Chinese market, the Ministry reported consistent inbound traffic from both regional neighbours and long-haul destinations. Key contributing markets included Vietnam, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
Air travel emerged as the primary mode of entry, facilitating roughly 62 percent of all foreign arrivals. The remaining 38 percent of visitors entered Cambodia through various land border checkpoints and waterways, reflecting the country’s diverse accessibility options.
Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak reiterated the strategic importance of the tourism industry to the national economy, describing it as Cambodia’s “green gold.” He affirmed that the Kingdom remains an open, safe, and increasingly accessible destination, citing ongoing improvements to transport infrastructure and the expansion of regional air connectivity as pivotal factors in attracting global visitors.
In a bid to sustain tourist flows year-round, the Ministry has intensified its promotional efforts for the “Green Season” campaign. The initiative is designed to stimulate travel during the traditional low season by highlighting Cambodia’s lush natural landscapes, emerging ecotourism sites, and rich cultural heritage.
The report also noted that outbound travel by Cambodian citizens saw a significant uptick, with 536,488 nationals travelling abroad during the first six months of 2026.