Angkor Wat Records a Surge in Visitor Numbers
In January, the number of visitors to Angkor Wat doubled compared to the same period last year, with over 115,500 tickets sold for the temple complex, resulting in a revenue of $5.4 million.
Angkor Enterprise reported on Friday that during the first month of 2024, 115,532 tickets were purchased for Angkor Wat, indicating a 50 percent increase from January 2023.
Recently, Angkor Enterprise introduced changes to the validity of Angkor passes, effective from February 1. A one-day Angkor Pass is now valid for a single day, a three-day pass for 10 days, and a seven-day pass for 30 days. Additionally, visitors have the option to purchase long-term passes for durations of one, three, and six months.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, expressed her delight at the positive results at the beginning of 2024. She highlighted the significant contribution of Korean visitors to the increased numbers.
Sivlin acknowledged various factors attracting tourists, such as events that celebrate history and offer performances for visitors to enjoy. She anticipates improved tourism rates in 2024 compared to the previous year, attributing it to the government’s efforts to foster collaboration between private and public entities, promoting creativity in different locations.
The Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, under Sivlin’s leadership, is actively collaborating with international organizations, particularly in India, to encourage their citizens to explore Cambodia.
Photo: Fourways Travels
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global tourism numbers were experiencing a robust upward trend. Many popular destinations, including cultural gems like Angkor Wat, were witnessing a steady increase in visitor arrivals. The period before COVID-19 was marked by growing enthusiasm for travel, fueled by factors such as improved economic conditions, increased connectivity, and a rising middle class with disposable income. Tourist attractions around the world were thriving, with landmarks and historical sites attracting larger crowds eager to explore diverse cultures and heritage.
In the specific case of Angkor Wat, the pre-COVID era saw a surge in tourism, with the temple complex drawing in a substantial number of visitors each year. The site’s historical significance, architectural grandeur, and unique cultural appeal contributed to its popularity among international travelers. Governments and tourism boards were actively promoting their countries, and the tourism industry was a key driver of economic growth in many regions.
During this period, the tourism sector played a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating economic opportunities for local communities. The vibrant pre-COVID tourism landscape reflected a world eager to explore and appreciate the richness of global heritage, providing a positive backdrop to the industry’s subsequent challenges in the wake of the pandemic.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
