Beautiful underrated country about to get 7.5m more tourists in 2025 | World | News

Cambodia is attempting to establish new benchmarks in tourism by attracting over 7.5 million tourists by the end of this year. The Southeast Asian nation is turning its focus to sustainable development, market expansion, direct flight connectivity, and support for small businesses.

Renowned for its impressive historical sites and stunning natural beauty the underrated country welcomed 6.7 million foreign visitors in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 23% contributing about 9.4% to the country’s gross domestic product. The top five arrival markets last year were Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos, and the United States. Last month Tourism Minister Huot Hak said: “For 2025, we hope the number of international tourists to Cambodia will increase to between 7.2 million and 7.5 million.”

Mr Hak is working to change Cambodia’s tourism model to reposition the country as a destination that thrives throughout the year. The rainy season has been rebranded as the green season in a bid to entice more visitors.

Its capital city is undergoing a major transformation as a new £1bn airport is set to open next year. Techo Takhmao International Airport near Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh is set to be the ninth largest airport globally and promises to handle millions of passengers annually, boosting the economy to become a major player in the region.

Located 12 miles from Phnom Penh, the first phase of the airport is to open its doors next year with a single runway and terminal which will be able to handle 13 million annual passengers annually and around 175,000 tonnes.

Prak Vuthy, director of Overseas Tourism Marketing and Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism says incentive travel packagers specifically targeted during low season are being created which may include discounted rates.

As well as this Prime Minister Hun Manet has been visited Japan and South Korea in a bid to attract more international investors.

Cambodia is home to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat which is now considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. Located within the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, it is considered as the largest religious structure in the world by Guinness World Records.

In the southwest part of Cambodia you will find the breathtaking Cardamom Mountains. This green corridor is a spectacular location to unwind and relax with nothing to disturb you except for a rich wildlife and a beautiful mountain view.