MGR Online — Cambodia is considering extending its pilot visa exemption program for Chinese nationals and is exploring similar visa exemptions for other high-potential tourism source markets in a bid to revive its struggling tourism sector.
Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism said a tourism task force has proposed extending the current pilot program for Chinese tourists — originally scheduled to run from 15 June to 15 October — through to the end of the year.
The ministry noted that these measures are considered a key catalyst for increasing the number of foreign tourists and driving growth in the tourism and aviation sectors. Following consultations with representatives from airlines, airports, tourism associations, and the immigration department, the minister will submit the proposals to Prime Minister Hun Manet for approval.
Tourism Minister Huot Hak said these initiatives are vital to expanding the tourism market, attracting more foreign visitors to Cambodia, and enhancing air connectivity.
Tourism is one of the four pillars underpinning Cambodia's economy, alongside agriculture, construction and real estate, and industrial manufacturing exports. Cambodia welcomed only 1.75 million international tourists in the first half of this year, a decline of 47.9% from 3.36 million in the same period of 2025.
Huot Hak said the sharp decline stems from a number of challenges, including negative news and sentiment, scammer networks, border conflicts, and the Middle East conflict, which has pushed up oil prices and dampened international travel demand.
