Cambodia earned more than $11.5 million from Angkor ticket sales in 2022, a leap of more than 2,000 percent over 2021’s figures.

According to a statement issued by Angkor Enterprise, Angkor Archaeological Park ticket sales amounted to $11,528,158 in 2022, an increase of 2,082.86 percent over 2021. Moreover, Cambodia welcomed 287,454 international tourists, a 2,133 percent increase compared to 2021.

Angkor Enterprise added it received $90,450 from ticket sales to Koh Ker and $165,308 from ticket sales for boats at the port of Chong Kneas.

Chhay Sivlin, President of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said that the growth in revenues is a result of the country's reopening, as well as the design of infrastructure in tourism zones, which may attract visitors. Additionally, it is in part to do with the government's tax-cutting strategy.

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“The renewal of licenses is unpaid, which keeps the private sector viable, and those who have been closed down can return to their posts with state financing,” she said. “So, we have an increase as services have returned, even if they’re not fully restored.”

In 2023, she expects to see an increase in tourists to the Angkor Wat complex as flights to the nation increase. When the number of airlines available to visitors rise, they will have more options, she added.

In addition, it has been announced that restrictions in China will be lifted, which will be a major boost to Cambodian tourism as China is the nation's biggest source of visitors, she said.

“China has chosen Cambodia as its destination,” she said. “Prior to Covid-19, Cambodia clearly drew a big number of Chinese tourists and was ranked top. China is Cambodia's largest market. So, when China fully opens, we have high hopes for Chinese tourism.”

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She added that when the cost of flying from China to Cambodia falls, it will further boost Chinese tourism in Cambodia.

“For travelers, they prefer a low-cost airline ticket. So, if the cost of a ticket is reduced any further, that would be great,” she said. “We will increase the number of tourists in 2023.

Cambodia expects to welcome at least two million Chinese tourists once China allows its people overseas, Prime Minister Hun Sen said in January during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Mekong River bridge in Kratie.