Tourism in Siem Reap: 35% Drop in Arrivals in 2026

tourisme

Updated 2026-05-25 5 min

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In short

●Tourist arrivals in Siem Reap down 35% compared to 2025.
●Over 200 tourism operators met on May 25, 2026 to discuss solutions.
●Many hotels remain closed and air traffic continues to decline.
●Expats dependent on tourism must monitor developments and diversify their activities.

-35%

Arrival decline

May 25, 2026

Meeting date

200+ operators

Participants

Cambodianess

Source

35% drop in tourist arrivals. Compared to the same period in 2025, Siem Reap records a significant decline in visitor numbers.
Hotels closed. Many hotels remain shuttered due to lack of customers.
Air traffic down. Flights to Siem Reap have decreased, reducing access to the destination.
Crisis meeting on May 25, 2026. Over 200 tourism operators gathered to develop a recovery plan.
Direct impact on expats. Foreign entrepreneurs and workers in the tourism sector are the first affected.

The decline in tourism in Siem Reap has accelerated in recent months, prompting local stakeholders to act.

Early 2026: Tourist arrivals begin to drop, hotel reservations collapse.
March 2026: Several hotels announce temporary closures due to lack of guests.
April 2026: Air traffic to Siem Reap records a 30% decline compared to the previous year.
May 2026: The situation worsens, operators sound the alarm.
May 25, 2026: Over 200 operators meet in Siem Reap to discuss recovery measures.
June 2026: An action plan is expected to be presented, including promotional campaigns and incentives for airlines.

The decline affects different segments of tourism in Siem Reap unevenly.

Segment	Estimated Decline	Details
International arrivals	-40%	Asian markets (China, Korea) are the most affected.
Domestic arrivals	-20%	Cambodians travel less, impacted by the economic context.
Luxury hotels	-50%	Several 5-star establishments closed.
Budget hotels	-30%	Some remain open but with very low occupancy rates.
Direct flights	-35%	Reduction in frequencies and destinations served.
Charter flights	-60%	Almost at a standstill due to lack of demand.

Decline in activity for travel agencies and tour operators. Bookings drop, some reduce staff.
Closure of restaurants and bars frequented by tourists. Several establishments have already shut down.
Slowdown in the rental market. Seasonal rentals and guesthouses struggle to find tenants.
Opportunities for diversified expats. Those working in education, digital, or expat services are less affected.
Need to follow recovery plan announcements. Subsidies or training may be offered.

Step 1: Diversify your income sources. Don't rely solely on tourism. Offer services to expats or online.
Step 2: Reduce fixed costs. Renegotiate rents, cut unnecessary expenses.
Step 3: Stay informed. Follow tourism operator meetings and government announcements.
Step 4: Focus on the local market. Adapt your offer to Cambodians and resident expats.
Step 5: Improve your online presence. Optimize your website and social media to capture niche customers.
Step 6: Consider temporary retraining. If your business is too impacted, train for another profession.
Step 7: Keep cash reserves. Build a precautionary savings to cope with a prolonged downturn.

What is the exact decline in tourism in Siem Reap?

Tourist arrivals have dropped 35% compared to 2025, according to data compiled by local operators.

When did the operators' meeting take place?

On May 25, 2026, over 200 operators met in Siem Reap to discuss recovery.

Which segments are most affected?

Luxury hotels (-50%), charter flights (-60%), and international arrivals (-40%) are the most impacted.

What can expats do to adapt?

Diversify income, reduce costs, turn to the local market, and improve online presence.

Is a recovery plan planned?

Yes, an action plan is expected to be presented in June 2026, including promotional campaigns and incentives for airlines.

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Published by

Siem Reap Hub

The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia