Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 18 – During the three-day Khmer New Year celebration from 14–16 April 2025, approximately 23,977,441 tourists and citizens travelled nationwide, marking an increase of 9.9 per cent compared to 2024 (21,813,138 individuals), according to an announcement by the Ministry of Tourism.
Of the nearly 24 million people, 23,862,351 were domestic tourists, while 115,090 were international tourists.
Daily Breakdown of Tourist Numbers:
- 14 April: 5,685,223 tourists
- 15 April: 8,365,724 tourists
- 16 April: 9,926,494 tourists
The Top Five Provinces and Capital Receiving the Most Visitors:
- Phnom Penh – 2,863,922 tourists
- Siem Reap – 2,752,818 tourists
- Kampong Cham – 2,748,228 tourists
- Prey Veng – 2,394,343 tourists
- Battambang – 1,741,795 tourists
The Ministry of Tourism stated that the total number of travellers was calculated by combining those who visited tourism destinations and those who participated in cultural events and celebrations, such as Sangkran programmes held at major venues across the country.
Key highlights included:
- Phnom Penh: Wat Phnom Sangkran and riverside walk street festivities
- Siem Reap: Angkor Sangkran celebration
- Kampong Cham: Kampong Cham Sangkran and a 1,000-metre-long, 3-tonne sun-dried clam exhibition
- Prey Veng: Prey Veng Sangkran festivities
- Battambang: Battambang Sangkran event
In addition to these, other provinces organised Sangkran events, particularly in provincial and district towns, key tourist attractions, pagodas, and local villages, which drew in large crowds.
This substantial flow of tourists brought significant economic benefits at both national and local levels. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, food vendors, and tourist attractions in nearly all provinces reported near 100 per cent occupancy. The private sector expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the growth and direction of Cambodia’s tourism industry.
The security, safety, crowd management, and overall quality and pricing of tourism services were well-managed. Authorities at both the national level and local command units fulfilled their responsibilities with high professionalism.
The public—especially youth, students, and workers—expressed appreciation to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for providing free public transport, enabling them to travel to and from their hometowns during the festival.
=FRESH NEWS
