Cambodia's tourism sector, which once contributed significantly to the national GDP, faced a massive downturn when the pandemic hit.

In 2019, international tourist arrivals exceeded 6.6 million but by 2021 the number had plummeted to under 200,000 due to travel restrictions and global health concerns.

The resulting closures of hotels, restaurants and other tourism and hospitality businesses affected thousands of jobs, forcing guides like Sovannaroth, Thy and Simon to find alternate sources of income.

The sector began to bounce back in 2023 as travel resumed, drawing international tourists back to iconic locations like Angkor Wat.

A report from the Ministry of Tourism said there was a 32 percent increase in international arrivals in early 2024 compared to the previous year.

"The Kingdom of Wonder" campaign, alongside Cambodia's new visa policies, has successfully highlighted the country as a secure and culturally enriching destination, appealing to tourists worldwide, according to the ministry.

The recent opening of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport has further boosted tourism in the region, it added.

Within its first year, the airport managed over 1.3 million passengers, improving accessibility to sites beyond the well-trodden paths.

This, combined with increased infrastructure and new accommodation options, has made Siem Reap more attractive to both foreign and local visitors, according to latest industry figures.

THE PHNOM PENH POST, CAMBODIA