tourisme
Updated 2026-10-28 5 min
In short
- ●International arrivals reached around 2.46 million from January to September 2026, versus 4.38 million a year earlier (-43.7%), according to the Ministry of Tourism, as reported by The Phnom Penh Post on October 27, 2026.
- ●The figure covers Cambodia as a whole. Siem Reap and Angkor, which depend heavily on tourism, are particularly affected.
- ●For expats, the local market is getting quieter on the visitor side and more competitive on the business side. Prices and negotiations may shift as well.
- ●The next monthly statistics will show whether the trend is stabilizing. It's worth keeping an eye on official releases.
≈ 2.46M (-43.7%)
International arrivals (Jan.–Sept. 2026)
January to September 2026
Period
Cambodia, including Siem Reap and Angkor
Location(s)
Ministry of Tourism via The Phnom Penh Post
Source
The Key Facts at a Glance
- 2.46 million arrivals. Cambodia received around 2.46 million international tourists between January and September 2026.
- -43.7% year on year. The same period in 2025 saw 4.38 million arrivals, according to Ministry of Tourism data.
- Roughly 1.92 million fewer visitors. That's the gap between the two periods, calculated from the published figures.
- A drop described as "reputational damage." The Phnom Penh Post uses this phrase to characterize the scale of the decline.
- Published on October 27, 2026. The figures were shared that day on the newspaper's Telegram channel. They cover the whole country, including Siem Reap and Angkor.
How It Unfolded
Here are the key steps behind this release. They've been pieced together from the available data, with no further detail on the causes.
- January–September 2025: Cambodia records 4.38 million international arrivals. This figure serves as the baseline.
- January 2026: the counting period begins for the current year.
- January–September 2026: cumulative arrivals reach around 2.46 million, an average of roughly 273,000 per month (calculated from the total).
- September 30, 2026: the period analyzed by the Ministry of Tourism closes.
- October 27, 2026: The Phnom Penh Post reports the results and refers to "reputational damage."
- Coming weeks: the figures for the final quarter will help confirm or challenge the trend. The ministry communicates regularly on the subject.
Breakdown
The published data doesn't break down arrivals by nationality or province. Comparing the two periods already gives a good sense of the scale of the change. The gaps and averages below are calculated from the two totals.
| Segment | Figure | Details |
|---|---|---|
| January–September 2025 | 4.38 million | Baseline period (same period, one year earlier) |
| January–September 2026 | ≈ 2.46 million | Ministry of Tourism figure |
| Difference in volume | ≈ -1.92 million | Difference between the two totals |
| Annual change | -43.7% | Rate reported by the source |
| 2025 monthly average | ≈ 487,000 | 4.38 million spread over 9 months |
| 2026 monthly average | ≈ 273,000 | 2.46 million spread over 9 months |
What It Means in Practice in Siem Reap
- Quieter sites and neighborhoods. Angkor, Pub Street and the restaurants in the center may see fewer people. Visits are more comfortable, but businesses have fewer customers.
- Shopkeepers more open to negotiation. Guesthouses, guides, restaurants and rental shops may offer better rates or packages, especially in the low season.
- A more competitive market for entrepreneurs. Expats who serve tourists (cafés, tours, accommodation, wellness) may see their income come under pressure.
- Fewer seasonal jobs to fill. If activity slows, hiring in hospitality and food service may slow too. Versatile profiles are still in demand.
- Greater interest in long-stay customers. Retirees, digital nomads and year-round residents represent steadier demand. They're often welcomed for rentals and services.
How to Avoid Trouble (Practical Checklist)
- Step 1: Review your tourism-related income. If you run a local business, project your cash flow over 3 to 6 months using a cautious scenario.
- Step 2: Diversify your customer base. Add residents, remote workers or online customers to your offering.
- Step 3: Negotiate your rent and contracts. In a quieter market, offering a longer commitment in exchange for a better rate is a common approach.
- Step 4: Compare before you book. Hotels, tours and transport may be running promotions. Always ask for a written price.
- Step 5: Follow official sources. Ministry of Tourism releases and the local press publish the monthly figures.
- Step 6: Keep your paperwork in order. Your visa, extension and business registration need to stay up to date, whatever the economic climate.
- Step 7: Support local businesses. Eating, visiting and shopping in Siem Reap directly helps the economy of the neighborhoods where you live.
Frequently asked questions
How many international tourists did Cambodia receive from January to September 2026?
Around 2.46 million, according to Ministry of Tourism data reported by The Phnom Penh Post on October 27, 2026.
By how much have arrivals fallen compared with 2025?
The drop is 43.7%. In the same period of 2025, Cambodia recorded 4.38 million international arrivals.
Why is the term "reputational damage" being used?
It's the phrase The Phnom Penh Post uses to describe the decline. The available data doesn't detail the causes, so this article sticks to the published figures.
Is Siem Reap particularly affected?
The figure covers the whole country. However, Siem Reap and Angkor are among the areas most dependent on tourism, so the economic impact there is being watched especially closely.
What does this change for an expat or retiree living in Siem Reap?
Daily life stays the same. Tourist spots may be quieter and some prices more negotiable. Expats whose business depends on visitors should keep a close eye on their cash flow and diversify their customer base.
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Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia