INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE IN CAMBODIA

Everything You Need To Know In One Place

OPPORTUNITIES IN CAMBODIA'S GROWING TOURISM SECTOR

Cambodia is steadily emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising destinations for tourism and hospitality investment.

In recent years, the country has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, fueled by strong government support, strategic infrastructure improvements, and a return of international travelers. In 2024, Cambodia welcomed over 6.7 million international tourists, marking a 22.9% increase from the previous year. This upward trend continues in 2025, with the first four months already showing double-digit growth compared to the same period in 2024.

Key source markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, China, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom are contributing significantly to this resurgence.

At the same time, regional connectivity through airports and land routes is expanding, further facilitating tourist flows.

The tourism sector now accounts for over 9% of Cambodia’s GDP, generating approximately 3.6 billion USD in 2024 alone.

Hotel occupancy rates have also climbed back to pre-pandemic levels, with nationwide averages approaching 78%, particularly in key provinces like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and the coastal region of Preah Sihanouk.

Visitors spend an average of 7 days in the country, offering attractive long-stay revenue opportunities for accommodation providers.

Early-Stage Advantage: Why Cambodia Attracts Smart Capital

In addition to these positive trends, the Cambodian government continues to encourage foreign investment through streamlined licensing processes, tax incentives, and land-leasing opportunities.

The development of new infrastructure, such as airports, ports, and roads, creates further incentives for early-stage investors to enter underdeveloped but high-potential areas. Popular investment destinations such as Koh Rong Island, Otres Beach, and Kampot offer not only scenic appeal but also lower land acquisition costs compared to neighboring Thailand or Vietnam. Investors can choose from a range of project types, including luxury beachfront resorts, eco-retreats, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, or mixed-use lifestyle developments.

In summary, Cambodia combines high growth potential, a favorable regulatory environment, and relatively low barriers to entry, making it a compelling destination for tourism and hospitality investment. Early movers stand to benefit not only from increasing visitor numbers but also from the long-term capital appreciation of assets in emerging markets.

SIHANOUKVILLE PROVINCE

Preah Sihanouk Province: Cambodia’s Emerging Economic & Tourism Powerhouse

Located on Cambodia’s southwestern coast, Preah Sihanouk Province has rapidly evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic regions for tourism, industry, and infrastructure development. Once known primarily for its beaches and islands, the province is now a key driver of Cambodia’s long-term economic vision.

Sihanoukville, the provincial capital, is home to Cambodia’s only deep-sea port, which plays a critical role in the country’s import-export network. The surrounding area is undergoing rapid transformation, including modern road networks, upgraded energy grids, and digital infrastructure, making it an ideal location for both leisure and commercial investment.

The province also serves as a launch point for access to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, two islands with growing reputations as eco-luxury and boutique resort destinations. With a unique mix of coastal beauty, logistical importance, and government-backed development, Preah Sihanouk offers rare, diversified investment potential across multiple sectors.

As Cambodia accelerates its economic modernization, Preah Sihanouk Province stands out as a strategic convergence point for tourism, logistics, and industrial development. With the support of transformative infrastructure projects and an investor-friendly environment, the region offers compelling opportunities for early-stage investment and long-term growth.

Techo International Airport – New Phnom Penh International Hub.

Located just outside the capital, this $1.5 billion airport project is poised to become one of the 10 largest airports in Asia by land area. With a projected capacity of over 13 million passengers in its first phase, the airport is expected to become a major gateway for Southeast Asia. It will significantly enhance Cambodia’s global connectivity, particularly benefiting tourism and international business in both Phnom Penh and coastal destinations like Sihanoukville.

Sihanoukville Navigation Canal

Currently under development, this 180-kilometer canal will directly connect Cambodia’s capital to the coast via inland waterways. Designed to reduce transportation costs and strengthen national trade capacity, the canal will allow more efficient movement of goods between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville Port, bypassing regional congestion and reducing reliance on foreign trade routes.

Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ)

A flagship industrial project jointly developed by Cambodia and China, the SSEZ spans over 11 square kilometers and hosts more than 170 international companies. With dedicated port access, integrated logistics, tax incentives, and government support, the zone is a model of Cambodia’s ambitions to attract high-value manufacturing and export-oriented businesses. Its continued expansion will further cement Sihanoukville’s role as a key economic engine in the region.

SIHANOUKVILLE PROVINCE

Koh Rong Island

Located just 25 kilometers off the coast of Preah Sihanouk Province, Koh Rong is Cambodia’s second-largest island and one of the country’s most promising destinations for sustainable tourism and resort development. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush jungle landscapes, the island has become a rising star among Southeast Asia’s emerging beach destinations.

With over 40 kilometers of coastline, Koh Rong offers exceptional diversity in terms of potential tourism zones, from lively areas near Koh Touch village to secluded coves ideal for luxury resorts, wellness retreats, and eco-lodges. The island is already home to a growing number of boutique hotels and mid-range accommodations, but large-scale, high-end development opportunities remain largely untapped.

As one of the last relatively undeveloped tropical islands in Southeast Asia, Koh Rong offers early investors the rare chance to shape the future of a destination with enormous long-term potential—both as a leisure hotspot and a high-yield hospitality asset.

Growing Infrastructure & Accessibility

In recent years, Koh Rong has become significantly more accessible thanks to upgraded ferry services from Sihanoukville, with travel times as short as 30–45 minutes.

Plans for further infrastructure improvements, including expanded power supply, waste management systems, and a long-term vision for sustainable development, are already underway—backed by both public and private stakeholders.

Protected Nature, Sustainable Vision

Large parts of Koh Rong are designated as protected conservation areas, creating a unique opportunity for investors interested in low-impact, environmentally responsible development.

This positioning aligns well with current global tourism trends favoring authenticity, nature, and responsible travel experiences.

Untapped Investment Potential

With Cambodia’s tourism sector rebounding strongly and the government actively supporting development on the island, Koh Rong presents compelling opportunities for:

Luxury beachfront resorts and villa complexes
Eco-tourism and wellness retreats
Boutique aparthotels and serviced residences
F&B and experiential hospitality venture