The Kingdom’s star attraction Angkor Archaeological Park notched a total of $30.33 million in ticket sales in the first eight months of the year, as per an official report on Sunday. The period from January to August saw a surge of 31.3 percent in revenue from $23.09 million compared to the corresponding period a year earlier.

The heritage complex welcomed 651,857 foreign visitors during the January-August period this year. The figure marks an uptick of 30.7 percent from 498,513 in the same period of the previous year as per the report by the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

The report also identified the United States as the biggest market for international tourists, followed by Britain, France, South Korea and China rounding off the top five.

In 2024, the month of August alone witnessed 67,482 international tourists, raking in a revenue of $3.15 million which is a 14 percent improvement over the previous year.

Sprawled over 401 square km, Angkor Archaeological Park boasts 91 temples of a bygone era, dating all the way back to the 9th and 13th centuries. Back in 1992, the park was granted official recognition by the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It has since gone on to become the most sought-after destination for tourists in Cambodia.

Top Sopheak, the Ministry of Tourism’s Secretary of State and Spokesperson, gave credit to the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, funded by Chinese companies for the surging volumes. The airport kicked off operations in November last year and has been contributing immensely to racking up visitor numbers.

He also attributed the rising numbers of Chinese visitors to the MoT’s ongoing campaign of the Cambodia-China people-to-people exchange year 2024.

“The challenges facing Angkor Park, including over-tourism, seasonality, and competition from other destinations, necessitate a proactive approach to ensure the preservation of this iconic site while enhancing the overall visitor experience,” said Chhay Sivlin, President, Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) to Khmer Times on Monday. By promoting off-peak travel and developing alternative attractions, Cambodia can diversify its tourism offerings and reduce the strain on Angkor Wat, she added.

Jean-Benoit Lasselin, Managing Partner, C4 Adventures was more concerned about the financial aspect, saying, “There’s a pressing need for better communication to justify the steep increase in entrance fees. Tourists need to understand the

value they’re receiving for their money, which includes the preservation of the site, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced visitor experiences.”

Sivlin came up with a unique suggestion of revamping the old airport. Transforming the old airport into a national convention centre for events and performances can invigorate the local economy and promote ongoing engagement with both domestic and international audiences. Through these strategies, Cambodia can position itself as a multifaceted destination, ensuring the longevity of Angkor Park and the surrounding areas for future generations, she added.

• Tags: Angkor Park, UNESCO