PHNOM PENH, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia is considering an extension of its pilot visa exemption scheme for Chinese nationals and exploring similar visa waivers for other high-potential source markets to revive its struggling tourism sector.
According to a Ministry of Tourism news release issued on Thursday, the Tourism Working Group has requested that the current pilot program for Chinese visitors, originally scheduled from June 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, be extended until the end of the year.
During a consultative meeting on Wednesday with representatives from airlines, airports, tourism associations, and the immigration department, Tourism Minister Huot Hak promised to submit these recommendations to Prime Minister Hun Manet for final approval.
These measures are considered important catalysts for increasing international tourist arrivals and driving growth in the tourism and aviation sectors, he said.
He added that these initiatives are crucial for expanding tourism markets, attracting more international visitors to Cambodia, and boosting air connectivity.
Tourism is one of Cambodia's four economic pillars, alongside agriculture, construction and real estate, and manufacturing exports. However, the nation welcomed just 1.75 million foreign visitors in the first half of this year, a 47.9 percent drop from the 3.36 million recorded during the same period in 2025.
Hak attributed this sharp downturn to compounding challenges, including negative publicity, technology-enabled scam networks, border friction with Thailand, and Middle East conflicts that have driven up fuel prices and dampened international travel demand. ■