Cambodia Positions Itself As Premium Destination For Muslim Tourists

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Cambodia is unlocking new tourist markets in the Middle East to promote the Kingdom as a premium tourist destination in Southeast Asia. 

The entry of Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines is significantly enhancing Cambodia’s global connectivity, linking the Kingdom to major hubs in the Middle East, Europe and beyond. 

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) views the expanded air connectivity as ultimately reinforcing the nation’s position as an emerging premium cultural destination in the region.

“This improved access helps diversify source markets beyond traditional regional arrivals, attracts more long-haul and higher-spending travellers, and supports MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism and business travel.

“It will also strengthen confidence among international investors and tour operators,” CTB chief executive officer Kim Minea told Bernama recently.

Turkish Airlines launched its direct flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on December 11, facilitating travel from Europe to Cambodia, which boasts an array of cultural heritage.

The Muslim travel segment is growing worldwide. The 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index projected that Muslim international travellers will rise to 186 million this year.

Its long-term forecasts are a staggering 245 million Muslim travellers by 2030, spending a whopping RM941 billion (US$230 billion).

As a tourist-dependent economy, Cambodia is positioning itself as an inclusive and welcoming destination for all travellers, including Muslim visitors. 

The objective is to ensure comfort, respect and accessibility for travellers of all faiths, while continuing to showcase Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, history, gastronomy and natural attractions, said Minea.

“Cambodia already has a growing halal-friendly tourism ecosystem. The Royal Government of Cambodia and our partners from the private sector are working together to enhance halal-compliant services, including Muslim-friendly hotels, halal-certified restaurants and prayer facilities across major tourism destinations,” he added.

About 4.4 million foreign tourists visited Cambodia in the first nine months of this year. 

The RM6 billion (US$1.5 billion) Techo International Airport, which began operations in September, is prepared to welcome premium airline operators with its modern facilities.

“The entry of world-class carriers signals a powerful vote of confidence in Cambodia's tourism potential and its new, modern aviation infrastructure, such as the Techo International Airport. 

“This confidence can attract further foreign investment into the tourism and hospitality sectors,” Cambodia Association of Travel Agents President Chhay Sivlin told Bernama.

She said that the flights provide a vital air bridge for international tourists, thanks to their seamless connectivity and long-standing good reputation.

Besides, Cambodia’s ”Muslim Tourism Development Plan" is establishing essential tourism-ready infrastructure to welcome Muslim travellers. 

-- BERNAMA