Cambodia’s recent tourism strategies are anticipated to impact the travel landscape significantly, especially as new Tourism Minister Huot Hak focuses on revitalizing the sector following years of pandemic-related setbacks. Appointed in a September cabinet reshuffle, Hak has already engaged stakeholders with his plans, leading Cambodia’s delegation to the China-ASEAN Expo Tourism Exhibition and prioritizing Cambodia’s visibility in regional markets. This leadership shift has raised expectations, with Hak’s connections to Prime Minister Hun Manet suggesting that the tourism sector may receive more focused attention amid its gradual recovery.
One of the key initiatives under Hak’s leadership is a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of 11 countries, effective October 2024. This policy simplifies entry for travelers from major ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, along with countries like Seychelles and the Maldives. With this change, Cambodia hopes to capitalize on its cultural and natural tourism assets, positioning itself as an accessible destination for both short-term visits and extended travel. The policy is projected to ease travel processes and increase visitor numbers, aligning with Cambodia’s broader economic goals and helping to compete with neighboring countries with established travel incentives.
Early indicators show positive movement; Cambodia saw a 23% rise in international arrivals in the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, with 4.29 million visitors, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism. Domestic tourism also saw an increase, with 11.31 million Cambodians traveling within the country, an 8.4% increase over 2023. However, these numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, and the slow recovery is especially felt by small business owners within Cambodia’s tourism sector. This cautious recovery reflects ongoing competition and a need for targeted marketing and expanded air routes—areas that Hak has acknowledged as priorities.
