Domestic tourism up one third in ’23

DOMESTIC tourism in Cambodia surged with nearly 19 million resort visits in 2023, a more than one-third increase from the previous year, while outbound tourists from the Kingdom neared 2 million, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

From January to December, national tourists embarked on 18,743,373 domestic trips within the country, a 34.5% rise compared to 2022. Nationals travelling abroad numbered 1,819,504, an 87.5% increase.

The ministry recorded 13,967 licences for tourism establishments in 2023 and estimated that the sector directly employs about 450,000 people.

It noted that tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) was approximately 7.5%.

Khieu Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tourist Guide Association (KATGA), told The Post recently about post-pandemic recovery and its impact on global travel.

He highlighted that the 2023 numbers substantially exceeded those during the peak Covid-19 years of 2020-2022 and emphasised the importance of local travellers in the tourism ecosystem.

“Tourism is vital as it generates numerous jobs and income for both direct and indirect workers in the sector. Although local tourists may not spend as much as their international counterparts, their presence is crucial for attracting overseas visitors,” he stated.

Thy noted that when domestic tourism rises, it indicates to foreigners that the destinations are safe and that proper infrastructure is in place.

He urged that all parties, including government and private stakeholders, collaborate to create an appealing environment for both national and international travellers.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), noted that 2023 saw a simultaneous increase in travel by both Cambodians and foreigners. She anticipates an even more positive trend this year.

Sivlin credited the government’s investment in infrastructure, such as roads, airports and ports, for enhancing the appeal of Cambodia’s tourism sector.

“The surge in domestic [travel] has contributed to the sustainability of the industry during challenging times and will help attract more foreign tourists to Cambodia in the future,” she said.

The ministry reported a steep rise in foreign arrivals in 2023, with 5.45 million visitors representing a 139.5% increase over the previous year. Revenue from foreign tourists in 2023 reached approximately $3.04 billion, a considerable increase from $1.41 billion in 2022.