Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism is strengthening coordination with government institutions, local authorities and private-sector stakeholders as the tourism industry faces a sharp decline in international arrivals during the first eight months of 2026.
Tourism Minister Huot Hak called for closer cooperation across the ministry and with public and private partners to improve the implementation of tourism action plans, strengthen destination promotion and reinforce Cambodia's position as a quality tourism destination.
Hak made the remarks during a meeting on Tuesday to review ongoing tourism activities, promotional measures and emerging challenges facing the sector.
Key Tourism Figures
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| International tourists, Jan–Aug 2026 | 2.25 million |
| Change in international arrivals | -44.4% |
| International tourists, Jan–Aug 2025 | 4.05 million |
| Domestic tourist trips, Jan–Aug 2026 | 25.65 million |
| Growth in domestic tourist trips | +48.5% |
| International tourists in 2025 | 5.57 million |
| Tourism revenue in 2025 | US$3.878 billion |
| Upcoming Sea Festival | December 2026 |
| Sea Festival location | Preah Sihanouk province |
International Tourist Arrivals Fall 44.4%
Cambodia received approximately 2.25 million international tourists from January to August 2026, representing a 44.4 percent decline compared with the 4.05 million international arrivals recorded during the same period in 2025.
The sharp contraction has increased pressure on tourism stakeholders to strengthen marketing, develop new tourism products and improve cooperation across the sector.
The Ministry of Tourism's meeting reviewed ongoing activities and promotional measures while assessing challenges affecting Cambodia's tourism performance.
Against this backdrop, Hak called for stronger coordination between departments within the ministry and closer cooperation with ministries, institutions, provincial and local authorities and private-sector stakeholders.
“Relevant departments should strengthen coordination across the ministry and cooperation with public and private-sector partners to ensure more effective implementation of action plans and enhance Cambodia’s reputation as an attractive, quality tourism destination,” Hak said.
Public-Private Cooperation Becomes a Key Focus
The ministry is working with tourism associations, provincial authorities, relevant government institutions and private businesses to support tourism promotion and the sector's recovery.
Hak also emphasised cooperation between the public and private sectors in developing new tourism products, strengthening destination marketing and improving Cambodia's competitiveness in regional and international tourism markets.
Such cooperation can involve tourism businesses, destination operators, associations, provincial authorities and government agencies working together to identify new products and markets and improve the visitor experience.
The meeting's focus on coordination reflects the ministry's effort to align tourism promotion and implementation across different stakeholders rather than relying on individual initiatives.
Domestic Tourism Provides Important Support
While international arrivals have declined significantly, domestic tourism has recorded strong growth and is providing important support to the sector.
The Ministry of Tourism recorded 25.65 million domestic tourist trips during the first eight months of 2026, an increase of 48.5 percent compared with the same period last year.
The contrasting trends underline the different performance of Cambodia's domestic and international tourism markets during the period.
For tourism businesses, domestic travellers can provide an important source of demand while the industry works to strengthen international visitor numbers and diversify tourism markets.
Sea Festival Preparations Underway
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the 12th Sea Festival, which is scheduled to take place in Preah Sihanouk province in December 2026.
The event is part of Cambodia's broader effort to promote coastal tourism and showcase destinations outside the country's traditional heritage tourism centres.
Preparations for major tourism events also provide opportunities for public agencies and private businesses to coordinate destination promotion, tourism products and visitor services.
Cambodia Recorded 5.57 Million International Visitors in 2025
The latest decline follows a strong international tourism performance in 2025, when Cambodia welcomed a total of 5.57 million international tourists.
International tourism generated approximately US$3.878 billion in revenue during 2025, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
The scale of the decline during the first eight months of 2026 therefore represents a significant change in Cambodia's international tourism performance compared with the previous year.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia's tourism performance during the first eight months of 2026 presents two contrasting trends: international arrivals declined sharply while domestic tourism increased substantially.
The 44.4 percent fall in international arrivals places greater importance on coordination between the Ministry of Tourism, provincial authorities, tourism associations and private businesses.
The ministry's emphasis on developing new tourism products and strengthening destination promotion also points to the need to broaden Cambodia's tourism offering and reach different visitor markets.
Meanwhile, the 48.5 percent increase in domestic tourist trips provides an important source of activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation operators, attractions and other tourism-related businesses.
The upcoming Sea Festival in Preah Sihanouk province could provide another platform for coastal destination promotion and cooperation between government and private-sector tourism operators.
The immediate challenge is to translate coordination and promotional activities into stronger tourism demand. The source does not provide a specific recovery target or forecast for international arrivals, so the scale and timing of any recovery remain uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many international tourists visited Cambodia in the first eight months of 2026?
Cambodia recorded approximately 2.25 million international tourist arrivals from January to August 2026.
How much did international arrivals decline?
International arrivals fell 44.4 percent compared with the 4.05 million arrivals recorded during the same period in 2025.
How is domestic tourism performing?
The Ministry of Tourism recorded 25.65 million domestic tourist trips during the first eight months of 2026, representing a 48.5 percent increase year on year.
What is the Ministry of Tourism doing to support recovery?
The ministry is strengthening coordination among its departments and working with ministries, institutions, provincial authorities, tourism associations and private businesses on tourism promotion, new tourism products and destination competitiveness.
When and where will the next Sea Festival take place?
The 12th Sea Festival is scheduled for December 2026 in Preah Sihanouk province.
How many international tourists did Cambodia receive in 2025?
Cambodia welcomed 5.57 million international tourists in 2025, generating approximately US$3.878 billion in tourism revenue.