Cambodia is looking to the UAE and the Middle East as promising new source markets for 2025.
Din Somethearith, president of the Cambodia Tourism Federation, noted that before Covid-19, China was the Kingdom’s top source market. However, arrivals have yet to fully recover post-lockdown.
“A new market is Arabic nations. We expect them to be one of the countries that replaces China,” he said, adding that visitors from the Middle East also have the potential to fill Cambodia’s low season lull.
Din Somethearith remarked that during the rainy season, Cambodia sees fewer European travellers. However, he noted that the hot weather in Arabic nations makes it an ideal time to attract visitors from those regions.
According to projections from the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed around 6.7 million international tourists by end-2024, with approximately 430,000 of them being Muslim travellers. In recent months, Cambodian officials visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries to strengthen bilateral ties.
A raft of recent trade deals has also been inked between Cambodia and the UAE, including boosting tourism exchange.
In 2024, Emirates launched direct flights between Dubai and Phnom Penh, via Singapore, while Qatar began operating direct flights between Phnom Penh and Doha, with a stop in Ho Chi Minh City. In October, Etihad will also begin flying between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh.
However, Sinan Thourn, president of PATA Cambodia and IMCT Co., stated that measures need to be implemented for Cambodia to better prepare itself for the Muslim market.
He suggested: “Cambodia can enhance its appeal by developing facilities and services that cater to Muslim travellers, such as halal food options, prayer facilities and cultural sensitivity training for staff in the tourism industry.”
Sivlin Chhay, president of the Cambodia Tourism Association, pointed out that, in addition to Thourn’s recommendations, effective marketing and promotion are “paramount” for attracting the Muslim market.
She stated that targeted marketing campaigns in key markets should highlight Cambodia’s unique cultural and historical attractions, while emphasising its commitment to welcoming Muslim travellers, adding that “collaboration is also needed by fostering strong partnerships with Muslim travel agencies and tour operators in the Middle East”.
