Chinese Influencers Livestreams and Short Videos Boosting its Chinese Tourist Arrivals to Cambodia, Driving More than Forty Percent Growth in Siem Reap at this Year

Published on November 26, 2025

Among the key factors contributing to the sharp increase in Chinese tourist arrivals in Cambodia this year, the growing influence of Chinese social media and livestreaming platforms is primary. According to the most recent data from the Cambodia Ministry of Tourism, in the first ten months of 2025, Chinese visitors to Cambodia have already exceeded one million, an increase of 44.6% compared to the same period last year. This surge in visitors draws on the importance of digital tourism and promotion through social media, especially by Chinese influencers.

The partnership between Tourism Cambodia and Chinese content creators has become a game-changer for the Cambodian tourism industry, bringing in immense visibility and exposing the area to millions of prospective visitors. This surge of tourists has contributed not only to Cambodia’s rise as a tourist destination but also brought immense economic returns to local businesses, especially in key tourist spots such as Siem Reap.

Tourism Boost Through Livestreaming and Short Videos

The Cambodian Tourism Board (CTB) has actively engaged with Chinese influencers to promote the country’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and diverse travel offerings. As part of a strategic digital tourism initiative, the CTB recently welcomed a group of prominent Chinese influencers to Siem Reap, one of Cambodia’s most iconic tourism destinations. These influencers, known for their massive social media followings on platforms like WeChat, Weibo, Douyin (TikTok), and Xiaohongshu, livestreamed and produced short-form videos that showcased the best of Cambodia.

During their visit, the influencers streamed live content and shared videos with millions of followers, presenting Cambodia as a must-visit destination. Their content highlighted Siem Reap’s most iconic landmarks, including Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Beng Mealea, while also featuring community-based tourism activities like a visit to Preah Dak Village and a sunset cruise on Kampong Phluk floating village. This form of digital storytelling not only attracted viewers but also ignited curiosity about the local culture, hospitality, and natural wonders.

Boosting Cambodia’s Tourism Impact Through Authentic Experiences

The influencers’ content not only showcased the modern charm of Siem Reap but also celebrated the deep connection between Cambodia’s past and present. Wei Xiaojing, a key opinion leader, reflected on the depth of Cambodia’s cultural knowledge, noting how the continuity of civilization is carried through local guides and personal experiences, and encouraged travelers to engage with this human connection firsthand.

This digital promotion goes beyond just increasing tourist numbers—it helps shift Cambodia’s image to a more modern and dynamic destination that combines spiritual heritage with contemporary travel experiences. The tourism impact of influencer-driven campaigns like this extends far beyond awareness, contributing to economic benefits that directly support local businesses, artisan communities, and tourist services in Cambodia.

Enhancing Cambodia’s Image as a Safe and Appealing Destination

A common concern among Chinese travelers is safety, but Chinese influencer Tang Bo Hu addressed these worries during a livestream on Douyin (TikTok). She reassured her followers, saying, “You might be worried that Cambodia is not safe, but when I came here, everything is fine, and I feel safe.” This reassurance plays a crucial role in strengthening Cambodia’s tourism appeal, as Chinese travelers increasingly seek secure and comfortable destinations for both leisure and business.

Through influencers like Tang Bo Hu and Wei Xiaojing, Cambodia has been able to address potential concerns about safety and present itself as a welcoming and trustworthy destination for travelers. This direct engagement plays a pivotal role in driving interest and encouraging Chinese tourists to experience Cambodia’s hospitality and cultural heritage firsthand.

Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025: Aiming for One Million Chinese Tourists

As part of the growing tourism collaboration, Tourism Malaysia and China are co-hosting the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025, aiming to further boost tourism between the two nations. With an ambitious goal of attracting over one million Chinese tourists to Cambodia in 2025, the ongoing digital tourism campaigns and targeted influencer engagement are expected to drive even more tourism traffic. The event promises to strengthen ties, foster business opportunities, and open new pathways for both tourism and investment.

The Role of Social Media in Cambodia’s Tourism Strategy

The strategic use of social media to promote Cambodia is significantly shaping the country’s tourism landscape. By tapping into the power of Chinese influencers and their vast online followings, Cambodia is able to reach a highly engaged audience and showcase its unique experiences to a wide range of travelers. This digital-first approach not only attracts tourists but also increases Cambodia’s global visibility, driving interest in both cultural tourism and luxury travel.

As tourism trends continue to evolve, Cambodia’s digital tourism initiatives will remain central to its strategy for long-term growth. By harnessing Chinese social media platforms and influencers, the country is positioning itself as a leading destination for tourists seeking a mix of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and modern comfort.

Tourism Impact on Local Businesses and Economy

The growing number of Chinese visitors is also having a tangible impact on the local economy in Siem Reap and other key destinations across Cambodia. Local businesses, from small shops to luxury hotels, are seeing increased tourist spending. The tourism industry’s growth has created job opportunities, supported artisan communities, and provided an economic boost to F&B and retail sectors.

Additionally, the rising tourist numbers from China highlight the importance of strategic partnerships between Cambodia and China in promoting tourism products and developing sustainable tourism models. As Cambodia continues to engage Chinese audiences, the country is likely to see continued growth in both visitor numbers and economic returns from the tourism sector.

Looking Ahead: A Thriving Tourism Partnership Between Cambodia and China

With its increasing digital presence and strategic tourism campaigns, Cambodia is on its way to solidifying its position as a favored destination for Chinese travelers. This increases its visibility and interaction through influencers’ livestreaming and short-form videos that position Cambodia to capture more of the growing Chinese outbound travel market.

As Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 approaches, Cambodia will leverage the momentum by promoting authentic experiences using digital tools, further strengthening its cultural ties with China. Cambodia is building a pathway toward a better future in bilateral tourism, through innovation, cultural exchange, and electronic tourism strategies, nurtured by long-term relationships with stakeholders in Chinese tourism. Cambodia is well-positioned for sustained tourism growth, with China a priority source market. Digital engagement and promotions targeted at China will allow Cambodia to build awareness of the country as a diverse, culturally rich destination, having a lasting impact on its economy and future tourism performance.