business
Updated 2026-08-11 5 min
In short
- ●154 EuroCham members surveyed in July 2026: all tourism stakeholders report tougher conditions in the first half of the year.
- ●The tourism and hospitality sector enters pessimistic territory for the first time since surveys began in 2024.
- ●EuroCham recommends a digital nomad visa and more flexible visas to attract travelers and remote workers.
- ●Logistics reforms show results: 55% of transport companies see tangible benefits.
154
Key figure
H1 2026
Period
Cambodia
Location(s)
EuroCham Business Pulse
Source
Key Facts at a Glance
- Worst mood since 2024. All respondents in the tourism and hospitality sector report tougher conditions in H1 2026.
- First dip into pessimistic. The sector turns pessimistic for the first time since surveys began.
- 154 companies surveyed. The EuroCham survey was conducted in July 2026 among its members.
- Visa reform demanded. EuroCham proposes a digital nomad visa and more flexible visas to boost arrivals.
- Positive logistics results. 55% of transport companies see benefits from reforms, compared to a 26% average.
How It Unfolded
EuroCham's Business Pulse survey, conducted every semester, tracks business sentiment in Cambodia. Here are the key milestones in this development.
- Early 2024: EuroCham launches its Business Pulse survey to measure the business climate in Cambodia.
- 2024-2025: The tourism and hospitality sector maintains a broadly neutral outlook despite persistent challenges.
- July 2026: EuroCham surveys 154 members, 81% of whom are executives (owners, C-suite, senior managers).
- H1 2026: All tourism respondents report a deterioration in operating conditions.
- August 2026: Results are published: the sector turns pessimistic, and EuroCham renews its call for visa reform.
- Coming months: EuroCham plans to continue discussions with the government to implement proposed reforms.
Breakdown
The survey covers several economic sectors. Here's how business sentiment breaks down by segment.
| Segment | Figure | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism and hospitality | 100% | All respondents report tougher conditions in H1 2026 |
| Transport and logistics | 55% | Report tangible benefits from government reforms |
| All sectors combined | 26% | Average of companies seeing benefits from reforms |
| Logistics: administrative procedures | 75% | Consider procedures 'too' or 'far too' burdensome |
| Real estate and construction | Neutral to slightly pessimistic | Structurally weak market, no sudden further deterioration |
What It Means for Siem Reap
- A digital nomad visa could be introduced, making it easier for remote workers to stay in Siem Reap.
- More flexible visas could encourage longer stays, benefiting expats and travelers.
- The struggling tourism sector could lead to lower prices in hospitality and dining, a plus for residents.
- Administrative reforms in logistics could reduce import/export delays and costs for local businesses.
- Ongoing discussions could result in visa policy changes in the coming months—worth watching.
How to Avoid Trouble
- Step 1: Follow official announcements from EuroCham and the Cambodian government regarding visa reforms.
- Step 2: If you're a digital nomad, check current visa requirements and any new options.
- Step 3: For businesses, assess the impact of logistics reforms on your operations and adjust procedures accordingly.
- Step 4: Anticipate tourism sector fluctuations by diversifying revenue streams if you depend on tourism.
- Step 5: Stay informed via official channels and professional associations for updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is EuroCham's Business Pulse?
It's a semi-annual survey conducted by EuroCham Cambodia among its members to measure the business climate across various economic sectors.
Why is the tourism sector pessimistic?
According to the survey, all respondents in the sector reported tougher operating conditions in H1 2026, due to weak tourist demand and broader challenges.
What is a digital nomad visa?
It's a type of visa that allows remote workers to reside in a country for an extended period while working for foreign employers. EuroCham recommends it to attract digital nomads to Cambodia.
What are the results of the logistics reforms?
55% of transport and logistics companies have seen tangible benefits, including the removal of 9 out of 13 customs forms and 24/7 operations at Sihanoukville port.
How does this affect expats in Siem Reap?
Expats could benefit from more flexible visas, potentially lower costs in the tourism sector, and improved logistics efficiency for businesses.
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Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia