Cambodia’s famed Angkor Archaeological Park received 344,755 foreign tourists in the first five months of this year, earning more than US$16 million from ticket sales, the state-owned Angkor Enterprise said on Monday.

The figures show an increase of 653 percent and 765 percent, respectively, the source pointed out.

In May alone, it added, the park attracted 45,759 foreign visitors, making US$2 million in revenue from ticket sales.

Located in the northwestern Siem Reap province, the 401-square-kilometre Angkor Archaeological Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1992, is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian country.

More foreign tourists are expected to visit Cambodia once the new Angkor Siem Reap International Airport in Siem Reap province is put into use in October this year, said H.E. Top Sopheak, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Tourism.

“Foreign arrivals to Cambodia have significantly increased as air routes have been added and connected directly to Cambodia,” he said.

Cambodia is expected to attract 4 million international visitors in 2023, including 1 million Chinese tourists, he said.

The entrance fee for a one-day visit to the park is US$37, a three-day visit costs US$62, and a week-long visit US$72.

Last year, Cambodia welcomed 2.2 million foreign tourists, generating US$1.41 billion, said a Ministry of Tourism’s report.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse