Cambodia makes tourism gains

PHNOM PENH   Cambodia’s tourist arrivals registered an increase of 4.7% in October last year, according to statistics and tourist Information Department.

The country recorded 408,922 trips compared to 390,637 during the same month in 2014.

Travel industry executives are disappointed that the ministry cannot deliver statistical reports faster claiming out-dated data has little use to them as they plan their marketing campaigns in 2016.

Released by the Ministry of Tourism, last week, October 2015 data showed Vietnam led supply markets with 89,922 visits, down 1.2% from 91,007 during the same month in 2014.

Other markets in the top five were: China (60,266; +25.2%); Laos (45,838; -11.3%); Thailand (38,093; -0.8%); and South Korea (27,189; -3.4%).

In October alone, 46.9% (191,602) of all international visitors arrived by airline. Siem Reap Airport gained the major market share, 25.6% (104,503). Phnom Penh Airport secured a market share of 21.3% (87,099).

Overland travel accounted for 50.2% (205,223) through checkpoints with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, while sea travel was a small 3.0% (12,097).

In addition, the data showed tourist arrivals to Phnom Penh and other destinations enjoyed a market share of 57.1% attracting 254,714, while Siem Reap province, home of Angkor Wat, accounted for 34.6% welcoming 154,208 visits. Coastal areas had a market share of 7.4% with 32,780 visits while ecotourism areas accounted for a 0.9% receiving 4,083 visits.

By region, Asia Pacific accounted for  81.6% market share and posted an increase of 3.0% supplying 333,539 visits from 323,862.

Africa recorded an increase of 45.1% with 711 visits following by the Americas (+16.3%; 23,552), Europe (+11.2%; 50,031), Oceania (+10.0%; 12,370) and the Middle East (+5.3%; 1,089).

Outbound trips by Cambodians in October last year reached 121,502, increasing 48.3% from 81,933 during the same month in 2014.

For January to October last year, the country welcomed 3,755,792 international travellers up 4.6% from 3,590,695 visits in 2014.

Outbound trips reached 985,739 growing 24.9% for the first 10 months of 2015 compared to 789,512 trips during the same period in 2014.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An told local media that tourism is a thriving service industry in Cambodia, that contributed significantly to the socio-development of the kingdom.

“By maintaining favourable conditions, Cambodia should receive up to 7 to 8 million foreign visitors by 2020… this reflects the key role tourism is playing in the socio-economic development of Cambodia.”

Top 10 source markets to Cambodia October 2015

Top 10 source markets to Cambodia January to October 2015

sourced:ttrweekly.com