Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism reported that 3.54 million tourists visited the country during the final days of 2024. While most of these travelers were local citizens, the count included 50,000 foreign visitors who joined the New Year’s Eve festivities.

On 30th December, a total of 216,331 local tourists and 18,249 foreigners were recorded. This figure surged considerably on 31st December, with 3,271,734 locals and 29,011 foreigners celebrating the holiday.

Key Destinations for New Year’s Eve Celebrations

The largest number of New Year’s tourists were spread across five major locations: Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampot. The capital city, Phnom Penh, alone welcomed 1,555,059 local visitors and 18,420 foreigners during this period, showcasing its appeal to domestic travelers.

According to Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA), this increase in tourist numbers during the New Year celebrations can be attributed to the Celebrating Cambodia event, which emphasizes the country’s rich cultural heritage. Sivlin noted that:

“The event, organized by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) and the Phnom Penh Capital Hall (PPCH), played a key role in drawing both local and international visitors, further enhancing the city’s appeal during the holiday season.”
(Translation: The event attracted many visitors and increased Phnom Penh’s popularity.)

Through the active support of CATA members in marketing, this cultural initiative was integrated into travel packages, raising awareness among international tourists before their visit.