Cambodia & Economy: Intensifying efforts to attract Japanese tourists

The Embassy of Cambodia in Japan is intensifying its efforts to attract Japanese tourists as part of a broader strategy to enhance the country's tourism sector.

A report by the Ministry of Tourism, published in June, indicates a resurgence of Japanese visitors. In the first six months of 2024, 54,849 Japanese tourists visited Cambodia, representing a 54.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This resurgence has positioned Japan as one of the top 10 sources of visitors once again.

In December 2023, a meeting was held in Tokyo, the Japanese capital, to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation S.E. Sok Chenda Sophea and his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa emphasised the value of deepening people-to-people connections. Furthermore, the two countries celebrated the upgrade of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Mr Saray Sin Saray, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy, informed The Post that the Embassy has been organising a series of initiatives to promote Cambodian arts and culture. He highlighted that these include Cambodia's National Cultural Day, Khmer New Year and Independence Day, which are celebrated both at the embassy and in various Japanese provinces.

A significant event in this promotional strategy is the annual Cambodia Expo, recently held from 3-4 May at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. Since its inception in 2015, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic, the expo has served as a pivotal platform for advancing Cambodia's economic diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism, arts and culture. The 2024 event attracted over 80,000 Japanese, Cambodian and international participants, featuring traditional Khmer dance performances, Cambodian food and cultural exhibitions.

To facilitate the growing interest in Cambodia, the Embassy maintains close ties with Japanese tour companies and key operators in the sector.

"The Consulate General of the Cambodian Embassy is committed to facilitating seamless travel experiences for Japanese and international guests by expediting visa issuance," Saray told The Post.

Additionally, it provides recommendations for entertainment venues in Cambodia, ensuring visitors feel welcome and valued.

Saray added that it plans to participate in major international events such as the Osaka World Expo 2025, scheduled from April to October 2025. With an anticipated 28.2 million visitors, including 3.5 million from abroad, the event presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the country's tourism potential to a global audience.