Siem Reap, Cambodia is set to be Australia’s top travel destination in 2025: What new you need to know?

Published on November 8, 2024

By: Paramita Sarkar

Siem Reap, Cambodia, is set to be Australia’s top travel destination in 2025, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report, as reported by a news agency. Known for its captivating temples, vibrant culture, culinary delights, and favorable climate, Siem Reap has seen a remarkable 529% increase in Australian travel interest, dethroning Japan as a favored destination for next year.

The report highlights that Australians will allocate more funds toward travel in 2025, with preferences influenced primarily by weather (66%), attractions (65%), food (63%), and culture (59%). Despite rising living costs, travel remains a priority for 43% of Australians, who plan to travel more frequently in 2025.

Top Sopheak, Cambodia’s Secretary of State and Ministry of Tourism spokesperson, emphasized the growing significance of Australian tourism to Cambodia. Following the pandemic recovery, Australian visitor numbers to Cambodia surged, with 87,207 arrivals in 2023, marking a 131% increase from the previous year. As of September 2024, more than 70,000 Australians had visited, placing them seventh among Siem Reap-Angkor’s international visitors.

“Cambodia is prepared to welcome more Australian tourists,” Sopheak stated, adding that Australians are especially valued for their longer stays and higher spending. The UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, featuring renowned temples like Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, remains a prime draw for visitors from Australia, Europe, and the Americas.

Other Trending Destinations for Australians in 2025

In addition to Siem Reap, the report names Thailand’s Krabi, Busuanga in the Philippines, Korea’s Daegu, Rovaniemi in Finland, Cusco in Peru, Tromsø in Norway, Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo and Yogyakarta among the top trending spots.

The Ministry of Tourism further reports that Cambodia welcomed 4.8 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2024, a 22% increase from the previous year and nearing pre-pandemic figures. This steady growth reflects Cambodia’s appeal to an increasingly international audience.