In this episode of B2B Cambodia's Industry Update, we spoke with Cyril Girot, CEO of Cambodia Airports, about post-pandemic tourism recovery, evolving travel trends, and what role the airports in Cambodia are playing to help revitalise the industry.
According to official numbers from the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia recorded around 6.7 million international visitors in 2024 – a 23 per cent increase from 2023. Girot added that this is also an increase from pre-COVID tourism levels in 2019, however, he sees that this increase has not yet benefited the tourism industry as a whole.
“Why? First of all, regarding the Chinese market, it's still lagging behind other markets, mainly due to China's own lacklustre economy, according to the Chinese standard,” said Girot. “If you want an illustration of this, for instance, the Chinese market at the Phnom Penh Airport is still behind all other markets, despite the fact that with other countries, other markets, we observe a very good increase compared to 2019.”
He quotes the South Korean market as one example, with travellers arriving at the Phnom Penh International Airport increasing by roughly 50 per cent in 2024, compared to 2019. Travellers from Vietnam also increased by 30 per cent in 2024, compared to 2019, and similar increases have been observed in other countries like Singapore and Thailand.
“For the Chinese market, to address [the decrease in travellers], we need to collectively better promote Cambodia within China,” Girot added. “Every player in the tourism sector has a role to play, and that's how we win and achieve success within the tourism sector – when we make action collectively.”
Besides China, he noted that there is great potential left in unserved, or underserved, markets, as evidenced by the newly launched direct flight route between Cambodia and India in 2024. The route between Phnom Penh and New Delhi is the first of its kind and was launched with Air Cambodia.
Girot further notes growing interest in establishing direct flight routes with countries in the Middle East, as reflected in the re-launch of the Phnom Penh-Dubai route in 2024, the relaunch of the Phnom Penh-Doha route in 2023, and the upcoming launch of the Phnom Penh-Abu Dhabi route in 2025.
A major challenge for Cambodia, however, is that the country continues to be seen as more of an “add-on” destination for tourists visiting neighbouring countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
“Cambodia is not marketed as a standalone destination, and that's pretty much paradoxical, because this country is full of gems," said Girot.
We've got seashores, untouched mountains, heritage landmarks, we've got Phnom Penh with its blend of old day charms and modernity, and all of this could be combined into one single offering for marketing Cambodia as a standalone destination for international tourists.
“When we think about visiting Siem Reap, visiting Phnom Penh, visiting the south of the country with its beautiful islands, seashores, etc., all of this makes sense, and this may be a good opportunity for the country," he concluded.
Watch the full interview above for more details.