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Cambodia, famous for its architectural marvels and rich cultural heritage, is attracting more and more Chinese visitors. In 2024, the archaeological park ofAngkor, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage, recorded a spectacular increase of 48% in the number of Chinese tourists. This phenomenon reflects the growing popularity of this iconic destination, with significant implications for local tourism and the Cambodian economy.
In 2024, Cambodia experienced a real blast of Chinese tourism, with an impressive 48% increase in Chinese visitors to the famous Angkor archaeological park. This emblematic site, classified as UNESCO World Heritage, continues to attract millions of international tourists, marking an important turning point for the Cambodian tourism industry.
A record influx of Chinese tourists
The official report released on January 4 reveals that the Angkor archaeological complex, located in the province of Siem Reap, welcomed in 2024 no less than 82,675 Chinese visitors. This number represents a solid increase from 55,689 visitors the previous year. To put this into perspective, Chinese tourists now represent 8% of the total of 1.02 million international tourist arrivals to the park in 2024.
A legendary site that attracts beyond borders
Angkor is undoubtedly one of the tourist attractions the most popular in Southeast Asia, with its 91 majestic temples dating from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries. Ranked among the 7 new wonders of the world, this site attracts visitors from all over the world, and particularly from countries like UNITED STATES and the United Kingdom, which rank first and second respectively in terms of foreign visits.
The reasons for this success
Several factors are behind this significant increase in Chinese tourism. On the one hand, the recent opening of theSiem Reap Angkor International Airport in November 2023 facilitated the arrival of visitors. On the other hand, theYear of human exchanges China – Cambodia 2024 also played a significant role in promoting exchanges and cultural discovery between the two nations.
Future prospects for Cambodian tourism
This surge in Chinese visitors is not only revitalizing the tourism sector, it is also creating economic opportunities for local populations. Shopkeepers, hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap are directly benefiting from this increased influx, while local authorities are preparing to welcome even more visitors in the coming months.
A region in full evolution
Cambodia, which has experienced upheavals in recent decades, is finally returning to a tourist stability impressive. Efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and services have clearly paid off. Next to 900,000 tourists foreigners had already visited Angkor since January 2024, indicating an encouraging upward trend for the years to come.
In short, the growth of Chinese tourism in Angkor is a proof of sustained attractiveness of this historic site. While challenges remain, the future looks bright for this iconic destination that continues to fascinate the world.
FAQ on the increase in Chinese visitors to Angkor
Q: How much is the increase in Chinese tourists to Angkor in 2024?
A: In 2024, Cambodia recorded a dramatic 48% increase in the number of Chinese tourists to the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Q: How many Chinese visitors were recorded last year?
A: Last year, the ancient site welcomed a total of 82,675 Chinese visitors, up from 55,689 the previous year.
Q: What share of Chinese visitors represent the total tourists to the Angkor Park?
A: Chinese tourists account for 8% of the total 1.02 million international tourist arrivals to the park in 2024.
Q: Which countries send the most tourists to Angkor?
A: China is the third largest source of foreign tourists to the Angkor complex, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
Q: How many ancient temples are there in the Angkor complex?
A: The Angkor complex, which covers 401 km², is home to 91 ancient temples built between the ninth and 13th centuries.
Q: What influence has the international airport had on Angkor tourism?
A: The launch of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in November 2023 has contributed to the increase in the number of Chinese tourists to Angkor Park.
Q: What has the China-Cambodia Year of People-to-People Exchange brought?
A: This initiative has also played a key role in increasing the number of Chinese tourists visiting Angkor Park in 2024.