Cambodia Tourism Sector Thrives with the Growing Chinese Interest, Strategic Initiatives and Visa Exemptions to Boost their Global Appeal and Investment Growth

Published on December 22, 2025

Cambodia has received growing attention from Chinese travel companies, with more than 500 international and local persons involved in the 2025 Cambodia-China Tourism Business Matching Forum. This event represented a turning point in the tourism industry in Cambodia since Chinese tourists are currently a critical component in the tourism strategy of the country. The event was conducted in Phnom Penh.

Over 63 majorChinese tour operators, representing 14 provinces and cities, participated in the event, along with local representatives of the tourism industry, including tourism departments, to discuss ways of improving mutual tourism and investing in Cambodia. Such high interest in Cambodian culture, landscapes, and economic stability indicates that there’s a growing demand for tourism in Southeast Asia’s emerging market.

Boosting Investment and Tourism: Cambodia’s Long-Term Vision

The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism (MoT) aims to not only increase the number of tourists visiting the country but also drive foreign investment into the tourism sector. The growing Chinese interest aligns with Cambodia’s strategy to diversify its tourism offerings, expand infrastructure, and promote new destinations.

The visa exemption policy for Chinese nationals, set to take effect from June 15 to October 15, 2026, is expected to significantly enhance visitor numbers. The ease of travel, with E-arrival card access for Chinese passport holders, is expected to attract additional investment from tourism companies and businesses seeking to cater to the influx of Chinese travelers.

The introduction of this policy, alongside other incentives for tourism entrepreneurs such as tax exemptions and the opening of more free zones, will likely encourage greater foreign investment. These initiatives are crucial to attracting global players to invest in Cambodia’s hospitality industry, including hotels, tourism services, and cultural tourism projects.

Expanding Global Engagement and Investment Opportunities

Cambodia’s strategic focus on tourism as a key driver of economic development is bolstered by several national initiatives aimed at enhancing global engagement. The National Tourism Strategy 2031, with a focus on sustainable tourism, is designed to attract AED 100 billion in new tourism investments. The aim is to elevate Cambodia’s global position in the tourism sector, moving towards a target of 40 million hotel guests by 2031.

Impact of Increased Tourism Investments on the Cambodian Economy

Tourism investments are already showing promising growth. Tourism investments attracted by Cambodia amounted to AED28.8 billion in 2023 and AED32.2 billion in 2024, with projections of reaching AED35.2 billion by 2025. These investments have been instrumental in developing the country’s tourism infrastructure, which includes airports, hotel chains, resorts, and leisure facilities. The increased investments are creating new job opportunities, enhancing service quality, and offering innovative tourism experiences for both domestic and international visitors.

This investment boost is expected to have a long-term impact on Cambodia’s tourism economy, creating a stronger infrastructure, more premium experiences, and higher-quality tourism services that attract even more global visitors.

Future Tourism Investment and Growth: Shaping Cambodia’s Tourism Landscape

Looking to the future, tourism investments in Cambodia are set to rise as global demand for unique travel experiences continues to grow. With a rich cultural history, growing accessibility, and government-led incentives, Cambodia is poised to become a top tourism destination. Chinese investment, alongside international partnerships, will play a significant role in this growth, supporting the development of new tourism products, innovative services, and sustainable tourism initiatives.

As more global investors recognize Cambodia’s potential, the country’s tourism sector will see an uptick in high-quality developments, including eco-friendly resorts, luxury hotels, and cultural tourism projects that appeal to a growing number of eco-conscious travelers. By focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation, Cambodia will remain attractive to both tourism investors and visitors seeking authentic and sustainable experiences.

Cambodia’s Bright Future in Tourism Investment and Growth

The increased interest of tourists from China, combined with the visa exemption scheme and other investment schemes, sets Cambodia’s tourism industry for massive growth. Through attracting foreign investment and ensuring a diversified experience for tourists, Cambodia is expected to widen its appeal, improve competitiveness, and establish a sustainable tourism industry model for achieving economic success in the long term. As developments continue to unfold across the global tourism industry, investment for Cambodia’s tourism industry will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the tourism industry, making it a premier tourist destination in South East Asia.