Cambodia Tourism Boom as Sihanouk International Airport Reports Massive Eighty Percent Surge in Visitors Fueling Strong Sector Growth in 2025

Published on March 12, 2025

Cambodia’s tourism surges as Sihanouk International Airport sees an 80% rise in visitors, marking a strong recovery with growing international arrivals.

Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) reported a remarkable 80% year-on-year surge in passenger traffic for January 2025, welcoming more than 4,000 travelers and reflecting Cambodia’s ongoing tourism resurgence.

Cambodia’s Tourism Sector on an Upward Trajectory

Cambodia’s tourism industry continues to gain momentum, with international arrivals rising by 13.3% to 611,894 visitors in January 2025. This sustained growth highlights the country’s strong recovery in the travel sector, particularly in Preah Sihanouk province, a prime destination known for its coastal appeal.

The steady rise in arrivals builds upon past years’ momentum, reinforcing Preah Sihanouk’s position as a key tourism hub. Despite the encouraging growth, Sihanouk International Airport’s current international arrival numbers remain significantly below pre-pandemic figures, with only 27,441 arrivals recorded in January 2019, representing a drop of 84.35%.

Preah Sihanouk’s Role as a Coastal Tourism Gateway

As a major gateway to Cambodia’s picturesque coastline, Preah Sihanouk province plays a crucial role in the nation’s tourism industry. However, a decline in sea travel demand has been observed, possibly due to increased competition from alternative transport options and evolving travel trends.

Despite these challenges, the notable increase in air and land travel to the province signals a robust recovery, positioning the region for further tourism expansion.

Other Cambodian Airports Witness Positive Growth

Beyond Sihanouk International Airport, Cambodia’s two other major airports also recorded substantial international arrival growth in January 2025:

• Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): Welcomed 157,120 international arrivals, marking an 18.2% year-on-year increase compared to January 2024.
• Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI): Reported 83,989 international arrivals, reflecting a 16.1% growth from the previous year.

With Cambodia’s tourism sector displaying strong recovery indicators, the nation remains an attractive destination for international travelers. The ongoing infrastructure improvements and government initiatives aimed at bolstering connectivity are expected to drive further tourism expansion and economic growth in the coming months.