Cambodia is gearing up to welcome a surge in Indian tourists this year, with the goal of increasing visitor numbers by three to four times compared to 2023. This ambitious target is fueled by the robust growth of India’s tourism industry, which presents immense potential for the Southeast Asian nation.
To tap into this potential, Cambodia has declared 2024 as the ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year,’ a first-time initiative aimed specifically at the Indian market. The country is witnessing a positive momentum in Indian tourist arrivals and expects this trend to accelerate.
In 2023, Cambodia hosted 68,836 Indian travelers, a figure representing over 91 percent of pre-COVID (2019) levels. In 2019, the country received 75,286 visitors from India. The first six months of 2024 saw a further increase, with approximately 32,000-33,000 Indian tourists visiting Cambodia, marking a 17 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.
Cambodia is actively promoting its tourism offerings through various initiatives, including participation in international tourism exhibitions like the Business, Leisure, Travel, and MICE Tourism Exhibition 2024 (BLTM). These events serve to showcase the country’s tourism potential, promote the ‘1st Cambodia and India Tourism Year 2024’ campaign, and strengthen tourism cooperation between Cambodia and India. The ministry’s ‘BUILD + 3Ds’ strategic initiative, which aims to boost tourism infrastructure and development, is also being leveraged to attract Indian tourists and investors to Cambodia, particularly through the ‘Visit Siem Reap 2024’ campaign.
Digital campaigns, collaborations with travel partners, and influencer marketing are also being utilized to raise awareness of Cambodia’s diverse destinations among Indian travelers. The country is highlighting its attractions as a preferred tourist destination, showcasing its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Connectivity is also a crucial factor in attracting tourists. Currently, four direct flights connect India and Cambodia. IndiGo is scheduled to launch an additional flight in November, connecting Siem Reap with India. This will bring the total number of direct flights between the two countries to five per week, further facilitating Indian traveler access.
Cambodia offers visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian visitors, and the country’s embassy in New Delhi also provides visa services. Electronic visas are also available.
Cambodia’s tourism offerings cater to a diverse range of interests, attracting leisure, religious, and medical tourists. The country is also actively promoting itself as a viable destination for large-scale business events, conferences, exhibitions (MICE), and weddings.
