Nearly 5 million visitors at home and abroad flocked to major destinations in Cambodia during the traditional New Year festival Chol Chnam Thmey 2019 from 14-16 April, up nearly 70% year-on-year.

Putkiri pagoda in Cambodia (Photo: VNA)

Statistics from the Cambodian Tourism Ministry showed that the southwestern province of Battambang bordering Thailand hosted the largest source of tourists with nearly 900,000 domestic and foreign arrivals. It was followed by Svay Rieng, which borders Viet Nam, with about 500,000 arrivals.

Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap province ranked third in terms of tourist arrivals.

Last year, Cambodia’s economy grew by over 7% with a total export of over 11 billion USD. Tourist arrivals in the country topped 6 million, with Chinese visitors accounting for the most, followed by those from Viet Nam with nearly 1 million.

The Cambodian tourism sector expects to welcome around 7 million holidaymakers by 2020 and 10 million ones by 2025.

The Cambodian government has embarked on major transportation, airport and seaport projects to propel economic growth.

(Source: VNA)