tourisme
Updated 2026-05-13 5 min
In short
- ●72% drop in Angkor Wat visitors in April 2026 compared to 2019, according to Ministry of Tourism data.
- ●Tourism industry proposes six strategic measures, including visa reform and a $30 million global marketing campaign.
- ●South Korean arrivals down 96% and Malaysian down 87% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- ●Expats in Siem Reap in tourism, hospitality, and services sectors are directly affected.
72%
Visitor decline
April 2026 vs 2019
Period
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Location(s)
Cambodia Investment Review
Source
Key facts at a glance
- 72% drop. Angkor Wat visitors in April 2026 fell 72% compared to pre-COVID levels (2019).
- 5.57 million tourists in 2025. Cambodia welcomed 5.57 million international tourists in 2025, down 16.9% from 2024.
- Revenue up. Despite the drop in visitor numbers, tourism revenue increased 6.6% to $3.878 billion in 2025.
- Six strategic measures. The government approved six measures to stabilize the sector and restore international confidence.
- Visa reform priority. The industry sees visa reform as the fastest lever to improve competitiveness.
How it unfolded
The Ministry of Tourism released its 2026 forecasts and 2025 indicators, revealing a significant drop in visitors. Here are the key steps:
- 2025: Cambodia records 5.57 million international tourists, down 16.9% from 2024.
- April 2026: Data shows a 72% drop in Angkor Wat visitors compared to 2019.
- May 13, 2026: Publication of the Cambodia Investment Review article detailing the figures and industry proposals.
- Next steps: The government reviews six strategic measures, including visa reform and a $30 million global marketing campaign.
- 2026 target: Reach between 4.6 and 6.3 million visitors depending on the recovery scenario.
Breakdown
The visitor decline varies greatly by nationality. Here are key data for major markets:
| Nationality | Drop vs 2019 | Context |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 96% | Reputation issues and regional tensions |
| Malaysia | 87% | Decline linked to connectivity and confidence |
| ASEAN (excl. Malaysia) | Variable | Visa-free already in place, lesser impact |
| Long-haul (Europe, Americas) | Heavily affected | Lack of marketing and regional competition |
| China | Data not specified | Historically important market, slow recovery |
What this means for Siem Reap expats
- Reduced customers in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies, leading to income drops for expats working in these sectors.
- Fewer seasonal job opportunities and freelance assignments for guides, drivers, and service providers.
- Downward pressure on rents for commercial and residential properties in tourist areas.
- Need for expats to diversify income sources (e.g., remote work, online consulting).
- Increased competition among tourism professionals to attract the few visitors.
How to avoid trouble (practical checklist)
- Step 1: Diversify your income. Don't rely solely on tourism; explore online work, teaching, or consulting.
- Step 2: Cut fixed costs. Renegotiate rents and subscriptions to cope with lower activity.
- Step 3: Update your skills. Take courses in digital marketing, hotel management, or languages to stay competitive.
- Step 4: Stay informed. Follow announcements from the Ministry of Tourism and professional associations to anticipate changes.
- Step 5: Expand your network. Attend local and online events to find new opportunities.
- Step 6: Have a Plan B. Maintain a safety net of at least 3 months' expenses to weather a sudden income drop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact drop in Angkor Wat visitors in April 2026?
Visitors fell 72% compared to pre-COVID levels in 2019.
What are the main causes of this decline?
Causes include increased regional competition, reputation issues related to scam centers, and insufficient air connectivity.
What measures is the government proposing?
Six strategic measures have been approved, including visa reform, a $30 million global marketing campaign, and improved transport infrastructure.
How does this decline affect expats in Siem Reap?
Expats working in tourism, hospitality, and related services face lower income and fewer job opportunities.
What are the forecasts for 2026?
The ministry forecasts between 4.6 and 6.3 million visitors depending on the recovery scenario (strong, moderate, or under pressure).
Free expat guide
Visa, housing, health — in your inbox.
🧭
Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia