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Cambodia steps up to attract Muslim tourists

January 22, 2025 at 1:40 pm

The national flag of Cambodia flies in front of Independence Monument on the eve of election in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on July 22, 2023 [Matt Hunt – Anadolu Agency]

Cambodia is making strides to position itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, with growing services catering to travellers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The country saw a 23 per cent increase in international tourism last year and is now looking to attract visitors from Arab countries as a counterweight to its reliance on the Chinese market, reports Khmer Times.

Of the 6.7 million foreign tourists who visited Cambodia last year, about 430,000 (7.3 per cent) were from Arab states, representing an almost 20 per cent increase compared to 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, Cambodia also welcomed over 123,000 tourists from Indonesia – the world’s most populous Muslim country, the Times notes.

On Friday, the country’s AKP press agency stated that the Ministry of Tourism has assigned working groups to prepare strategies to focus on increasing attractiveness among the lucrative Muslim tourism market.


Taleb Rafat, director of Younes Tourism, recently organised tours for Saudi visitors, including members of royal families. He noted a shift in perceptions of Cambodia among Muslim tourists, who initially worried about food, accommodations and prayer facilities in the predominantly Buddhist nation.

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“Now they understand the issue,” said Rafat, pointing to Siem Reap as a popular destination. Hotels in Phnom Penh, for example, have adapted kitchens for halal food and prepared prayer spaces equipped with the Quran.

According to TTG Asia, recent trade deals have also been inked between Cambodia and the UAE, including boosting tourism exchange. In 2024, Emirates launched direct flights between Dubai and Phnom Penh, via Singapore, while Qatar began operating direct flights between Phnom Penh and Doha, with a stop in Ho Chi Minh City. In October, Etihad will also begin flying between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said the government and private sector are working together to enhance infrastructure for Muslim tourists. Initiatives include prayer rooms at airports, halal-certified restaurants and culturally sensitive services.

“Many Middle Eastern travellers are high-spending tourists who can contribute significantly to the Cambodian economy,” she explained.

Communities with significant Muslim populations, such as those in Phnom Penh and Kampot – mostly comprising Cham Muslims – offer unique cultural experiences for tourists seeking immersive, community-based stays.

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