tourism
Updated 2026-08-05 5 min
In short
- ●Siem Reap is experiencing a tourism slowdown despite ongoing discount campaigns.
- ●Authorities and local businesses are organizing events and offering discounts during the green season.
- ●An expert highlights the need for stronger international marketing and better air connectivity.
- ●For expats, this represents opportunities but also challenges for local businesses.
Tourism slowdown
Situation
Green season 2026
Period
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Location(s)
Cambodianess
Source
Key facts at a glance
- Persistent slowdown. Tourism in Siem Reap remains below pre-pandemic levels despite discount campaigns.
- Active campaigns. Authorities and local businesses are organizing events and offering discounts during the green season to attract visitors.
- Expert call. An expert believes that recovery requires stronger international marketing, better air connectivity, and a broader destination campaign.
- Expat impact. For expats, this means potential opportunities and challenges for local businesses.
- Key date. The analysis was published on August 5, 2026, by Cambodianess.
How it unfolded
Tourism in Siem Reap was hard hit by the pandemic, and despite recovery efforts, the rebound remains slow. Here are the key steps in the current situation.
- 2020-2022: The COVID-19 pandemic causes a drastic drop in tourism in Siem Reap, with border closures and the halt of international flights.
- 2023-2024: Gradual reopening, but visitor numbers remain low, with travelers favoring other Asian destinations.
- 2025: Local authorities launch discount campaigns and green season events to attract regional tourists.
- Early 2026: Despite these efforts, the slowdown persists, and local businesses struggle to return to pre-pandemic activity levels.
- August 2026: An expert publishes an analysis highlighting the need for stronger international marketing, better air connectivity, and a broader destination campaign.
- Next steps: Authorities plan to strengthen cooperation with airlines and launch targeted promotional campaigns in key source markets.
Breakdown
Tourism in Siem Reap is divided into several segments, each with a different impact on the local economy.
| Segment | Figure | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| International tourism | Declining | International arrivals remain below 2019 levels, with a slow recovery. |
| Domestic tourism | Rising | Cambodians are traveling more, but their spending is lower than that of foreign tourists. |
| Regional tourism | Stable | Visitors from neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos) make up a significant share but remain price-sensitive. |
| Luxury tourism | Niche | High-end travelers are slowly returning, but infrastructure needs improvement. |
| Business tourism | Developing | MICE events (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) are gaining popularity but remain limited. |
What it means for Siem Reap
- Business opportunities: Expat entrepreneurs can capitalize on the demand for innovative tourism services, such as authentic local experiences.
- Price pressure: The tourism downturn may put downward pressure on prices for goods and services, benefiting expats but challenging local businesses.
- Employment and workforce: The slowdown may affect jobs in the tourism sector, prompting some expats to diversify their activities.
- Community life: Fewer tourists mean quieter streets, but also fewer events and activities, which may reduce appeal for some expats.
- Infrastructure: Investments in tourism infrastructure (airport, roads) can benefit everyone, but their pace depends on recovery.
How to stay out of trouble
- Step 1: Stay informed about tourism trends through local sources like Cambodianess and chamber of commerce bulletins.
- Step 2: Diversify your income streams if you are an entrepreneur, targeting both tourists and local residents.
- Step 3: Adapt your offerings to new traveler expectations, such as sustainable and authentic experiences.
- Step 4: Participate in local events and expat networks to stay connected and identify opportunities.
- Step 5: Monitor developments in air connectivity and tourism policies to anticipate changes.
- Step 6: Manage your budget prudently, as recovery may take time.
- Step 7: Support local businesses and collaborate with them to strengthen the tourism ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Why is tourism in Siem Reap slowing down?
Tourism in Siem Reap is slowing due to the slow post-pandemic recovery, competition from other Asian destinations, and still insufficient air connectivity.
What measures are being taken to revive tourism?
Authorities and local businesses are organizing events, offering discounts during the green season, and working on international marketing campaigns and improving air connectivity.
What is the impact for expats living in Siem Reap?
Expats may see opportunities in innovative tourism services, but also challenges for local businesses. The tourism downturn can affect employment and community life.
What are the prospects for recovery?
According to an expert, recovery requires stronger international marketing, better air connectivity, and a broader destination campaign. Authorities plan to strengthen these aspects.
How can expats adapt to this situation?
Expats can diversify their income, adapt to new traveler expectations, participate in local networks, and support local businesses to strengthen the ecosystem.
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Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia