Cambodia Aims to Quadruple Indian Tourists in 2024

Cambodia is targeting a 3-4 times increase in Indian tourists this year, buoyed by robust growth in India's tourism sector. The '1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024' campaign aims to enhance tourism cooperation and promote Cambodian destinations. There are currently four direct flights, with a fifth expected soon, to boost connectivity.

In an effort to capitalize on the booming Indian tourism sector, Cambodia is aiming to increase the number of Indian tourists by 3-4 times this year, according to a Cambodian tourism ministry official.

"We have launched Cambodia-India Tourism Year for the first time to tap into the Indian market, which has significant potential. Positive momentum in India's tourism sector gives us confidence that we can increase Indian visitor numbers significantly," stated Cambodia's Minister of Tourism Hul Seila during the Business, Leisure, Travel and MICE Tourism Exhibition 2024 (BLTM).

In 2023, Cambodia hosted 68,836 Indian travelers, reaching over 91% of pre-Covid levels from 2019. The first half of 2024 saw around 32,000-33,000 Indian tourists, a 17% increase from the previous year. Seila highlighted ongoing digital campaigns, collaborations with influencers, and an expected fifth direct flight from India in November to further boost tourism. Cambodia offers visa on arrival, e-visas, and visas through its New Delhi embassy. Currently attracting leisure, religious, and medical tourists, the country aims to also become a destination for business events and MICE tourism.

(With inputs from agencies.)