AGP Executive Report

Festival Travel Boost: Phnom Penh will run free transport for Pchum Ben, with 600 buses operating Oct. 9–13—100 for city routes and airport express, plus 500 on six routes linking Phnom Penh with hometowns, including Siem Reap. Flood Disruptions: Heavy rain has hit 10 provinces since Sept. 8, affecting nearly 17,000 families; authorities report 2,016 evacuations and continued monitoring as water levels trend down in the Mekong but storms persist. Cruise Tourism: Sihanoukville Autonomous Port welcomed the Bahamas-registered Odyssey cruise ship, bringing 236 passengers for a five-day visit focused on beaches and cultural stops. Tourism Economy Watch: The ADB cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9%, pointing to weaker tourism and services, with a projected rebound in 2027. Anti-Scam Cooperation: Cambodia and the UK signed an MoU to coordinate against online scam networks, including data sharing and support for trafficking victims. Trade & Retail Push: Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce says it helped promote Cambodian processed goods to 23,000+ supermarkets and mini-marts abroad. People-to-People Ties: Cambodia and China held a Mid-Autumn Festival art performance in Phnom Penh, highlighting shared traditions and friendship.

Festival Transport: Phnom Penh will run free rides for Pchum Ben, with 600 buses from Oct. 9–13—500 shuttling people between the capital and hometowns on six routes, plus 100 buses for city service and the Airport Express to Techo International. Tourism & Arrivals: Sihanoukville Autonomous Port welcomed the Bahamas-flagged Odyssey cruise ship, bringing 236 passengers for a five-day visit focused on beaches and cultural stops. Tourism Economy Watch: The ADB cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9%, pointing to weaker tourism and services, while expecting a rebound in 2027. Public Health & Comfort in the City: A Phnom Penh sanitation report highlights how open defecation persists despite warnings, driven by habit and a shortage of public toilets. Scam-Safety Focus: Cambodia and the UK signed an MoU to coordinate against online scam networks, including links to human trafficking. Regional Travel Deals: South Korea extended a visa fee waiver for group tourists from Cambodia and five other Asian countries through Dec. 31, 2026. Connectivity for Visitors: IndiGo will resume direct Kolkata–Siem Reap flights from Oct. 1 after a three-month pause.

Tourism Economy: The Asian Development Bank cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% (from 4.1%) as weaker tourism and related services drag on the economy, while expecting a rebound to 4.7% in 2027. Festival Transport: Phnom Penh will deploy 600 buses for free travel during Pchum Ben (Oct 9–13), including 500 buses to hometowns on six routes plus 100 buses for daily city service. Cruise Tourism: Sihanoukville Autonomous Port welcomed 236 passengers from the Bahamas-registered Odyssey cruise ship for a five-day visit (Sept 25–29), with stops planned for beaches and cultural sites. Air Connectivity: IndiGo will resume direct Kolkata–Siem Reap flights from Oct 1 (Mon/Thu/Sat), a boost for temple and culture travel. Business & Trade: Cambodia approved a Cambodian Chamber of Commerce representative office in Paris to strengthen trade links, while the Commerce Ministry says it helped promote Cambodian processed products into 23,000+ global retail outlets. Safety & Disruption: Heavy rain has triggered flooding in parts of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin and Siem Reap, with evacuations and rescues prepared.

Cambodia–China Tourism & Security: Prime Minister Hun Manet met China’s Vice Minister of Public Security Yang Weilin, praising progress in security cooperation against transnational crime and online scams, and urging more Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia. Digital Payments for Visitors: The National Bank of Cambodia and Mastercard discussed expanding Bakong Tourists for international users and strengthening fraud prevention, aiming to make cashless travel smoother. Tourism Pressure Point: The ADB cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% citing weaker tourism activity, with international arrivals down sharply in the first half of 2026. Air Connectivity Boost: IndiGo will resume direct Kolkata–Siem Reap flights from Oct 1 (Mon/Thu/Sat), a potential lift for temple and culture-focused itineraries. Scam Crackdown Focus: Cambodia says it will target licensed casinos suspected of being fronts for online scams and gambling, as enforcement expands beyond physical compounds. Community Tourism Push: G Adventures’ GX Cambodia kicked off in Phnom Penh, highlighting community tourism and projects that aim to bring more responsible visitors to the Kingdom.

Tourism Economy Watch: The Asian Development Bank cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% (from 4.1%), blaming weaker tourism activity and related services, with international arrivals down sharply in the first half of 2026. Digital Payments for Visitors: The National Bank of Cambodia and Mastercard discussed expanding digital payment services for international travellers, including growing access to Bakong Tourists and adding stronger fraud prevention. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Cambodia is pushing tougher action against online scam networks, with international cooperation highlighted at a Phnom Penh conference and a push to target licensed casinos suspected of being fronts. Cambodia–China Ties: A Mid-Autumn Festival gala in Phnom Penh showcased Chinese and Cambodian performances, with Cambodia’s tourism minister calling cultural and people-to-people exchanges key bridges. Community Tourism Push: G Adventures’ GX Cambodia kicked off in Phnom Penh with hundreds of participants, spotlighting community tourism and projects ahead of World Tourism Day. Visitor Mobility: Australia’s Frequent Traveller visa stream includes Cambodia, offering frequent travellers multiple entries for tourism, cruises, and approved activities.

Tourism Demand Slump: Cambodia’s international arrivals fell 44.4% to 2.25 million in the first eight months of 2026, with China, Vietnam and the U.S. all down sharply—fueling fresh pressure on the tourism sector. Scam Crackdown & Reputation: As Cambodia hosts the International Conference on Combating Online Scams in Phnom Penh, officials say Cambodia is a target used by foreign syndicates, and the PM reiterates the country will never be a safe haven—an issue now linked to tourism confidence. Digital Payments for Visitors: The National Bank of Cambodia and Mastercard discussed expanding Bakong Tourists digital payments for international visitors while strengthening fraud prevention. Economic Outlook: The ADB revised Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast down to 3.9%, citing weaker tourism activity, even as manufacturing and investment help cushion the impact. Sustainable Tourism MoU: Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU with Genrich Investment to study sustainable tourism, environmental restoration, carbon credits and climate solutions. Culture & Tourism Link: A Mid-Autumn Festival gala in Phnom Penh highlighted Cambodia–China cultural harmony, with the tourism minister calling cultural exchanges a bridge for deeper ties. Adventure Trade Push: ATAS announced “Atas 10 at 10” with 10 exclusive fam trips for 2027, including Vietnam and Cambodia.

Tourism Numbers: Cambodia’s international arrivals fell 44.4% to about 2.25 million in the first eight months of 2026, with China, Vietnam and the US the biggest source markets—while the Ministry points to domestic pressures and wider headwinds. Online Scams Crackdown: Phnom Penh hosts the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (Sept 23–24), with PM Hun Manet stressing Cambodia will “never” be a safe haven for scam operations and urging cross-border action; a Phnom Penh Declaration is set for adoption tomorrow. Digital Payments for Visitors: The National Bank of Cambodia and Mastercard discussed expanding Bakong Tourists for international users and strengthening fraud prevention as Cambodia grows its digital payments ecosystem. Sustainable Tourism MoU: Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU with Genrich Investment to research sustainable tourism, environmental restoration, carbon credits and climate solutions. Regional Impact on Travel Confidence: The ADB cut its 2026 growth forecast to 3.9%, citing weaker tourism activity, even as manufacturing and investment help cushion the economy. Health & Travel Link: Maybank and Malaysia’s healthcare travel partners announced MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 (Oct 3–4) to connect families with cross-border medical options.

Online Scams Crackdown: Cambodia is hosting the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) in Phnom Penh (Sept 23-24), with PM Hun Manet stressing Cambodia will never be a safe haven for scam operations and warning the threat is transnational and linked to wider organised crime. Tourism & Payments Security: The conference also comes as Cambodia’s National Bank and Mastercard discuss expanding Bakong Tourists for international visitors, alongside stronger fraud monitoring to protect digital payments. Policy Signal: Delegates are set to adopt the Phnom Penh Declaration tomorrow, with Cambodia reiterating “zero tolerance” and no retreat against scam networks. Economy Watch: The ADB cut its 2026 growth forecast for Cambodia to 3.9%, citing weaker tourism activity, even as manufacturing and investment help cushion the impact. Health & Wellness Tourism: Ayurveda Day is marked in Phnom Penh under “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” highlighting prevention-focused wellness trends that can feed Cambodia’s wider health tourism appeal.

Online Scam Fight & Tourism Confidence: Cambodia is preparing to host an International Conference on Combating Online Scams on Sept. 23–24 in Phnom Penh, with Cambodian youth and citizens saying it will strengthen cross-border cooperation against transnational fraud. Pchum Ben Travel Exception: Opposition adviser Rong Chhun asked the Supreme Court for permission to travel to Kandal for Pchum Ben despite restrictions tied to his incitement conviction, highlighting how legal limits can affect mobility during peak holiday travel. Angkor Wat Equinox Update: Siem Reap welcomed crowds for the Angkor Wat autumn equinox sunrise alignment, but heavy cloud blocked the first attempt—visitors still have two more mornings (through Sept. 23) to catch the alignment. Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Cambodia topped Southeast Asia for eco-tourism and ranked 17th globally in U.S. News & World Report, pointing to expanding green leisure destinations and circular environmental strategy. Wildlife Rescue Progress: Cambodia Wildlife Care is setting up a new wildlife rescue centre in Kampong Speu, starting with a quarantine area at Prambei Mom Community Forest. Funan Techo Canal Financing: Cambodia signed nearly $1 billion in financing with China Exim Bank to drive the Funan Techo Coastal-Inland Waterway, aiming to cut freight costs and boost a new economic corridor. Cultural & Visitor Experiences: Phare, The Cambodian Circus returns to Phnom Penh with “Same Same…but Different,” while Cambodia also steps up Francophonie Summit preparations with side events expected to showcase arts, culture and tourism.

Eco-Tourism Boost: Cambodia has been ranked No.1 in Southeast Asia and 17th globally for eco-tourism in U.S. News & World Report, crediting the government’s clean-green-sustainable push and expansion of protected green leisure destinations. Wildlife Protection: Cambodia Wildlife Care has started building a wildlife rescue centre in Kampong Speu, with a new quarantine area at Prambei Mom Community Forest to assess and treat rescued animals before release. Angkor Equinox Tourism: Angkor Wat drew big crowds for the Sept. 21–23 equinox, with sunrise alignment expected around 6:15–6:45am, plus a cycling event that will return bi-annually. Cultural Spotlight: Phare, The Cambodian Circus returns to Phnom Penh with “Same Same…but Different,” bringing circus arts and a message of wonder for kids and families. Governance Watch: A viral complaint about a new concrete road in Kandal linked to commune fund misuse sparked questions on local accountability, after Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered a rapid fix. Tourism Diplomacy: Cambodia is stepping up preparations for the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh (Nov. 15–16), including tourism-focused side events like Village Francophone and FrancoTech. Travel Safety Signals: The U.S. State Department issued updated warnings to Americans about crime risks in Cambodia.

Angkor Equinox Tourism Push: Angkor Wat is set for a spectacular equinox sunrise (Sept 21–23, with the exact alignment on Sept 22), and visitors are urged to arrive early and follow the Angkor Code of Conduct. Green-Season Events in Siem Reap: About 1,200 Cambodian and foreign cyclists took part in an Angkor-region race to celebrate the autumn equinox and promote travel during the green season, with more equinox hikes and guided tours planned. Wildlife Rescue Infrastructure: Cambodia Wildlife Care is building a new wildlife rescue centre in Kampong Speu, starting with a quarantine area at Prambei Mom Community Forest to assess and treat rescued animals before releasing them back into more natural enclosures. Phare Circus Returns to Phnom Penh: Phare, The Cambodian Circus, staged “Same Same…but Different” in Phnom Penh for the first time this year, using humor and circus acts to remind audiences that wonder matters even in tough times. Aviation Capacity vs Demand: Techo International Airport’s new capacity is a major upgrade, but reports note Cambodia still needs stronger passenger demand, better route coordination, and airline support to convert infrastructure into tourism growth. Cambodia–Korea Investment Boost: Cambodia’s acting head of state encouraged greater Korean investment, while also hoping for more Korean tourists to strengthen people-to-people ties. Francophonie Summit Prep: Cambodia’s foreign minister chaired preparations for the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh (Nov 15–16), including logistics, protocol, security, and cultural side events showcasing tourism and arts. Local Governance Spotlight: A viral complaint over a concrete road in Kandal province has reignited questions about local accountability and commune fund misuse, even as authorities moved to fix access quickly.

Angkor Equinox Tourism Push: Angkor Wat is set for a spectacular equinox sunrise on Sep 22 (best viewing 6:15–6:45am), with visitors urged to follow the Angkor Code of Conduct as crowds flocked even under cloudy skies. Siem Reap Green-Season Events: About 1,200 Cambodian and foreign cyclists joined an Angkor-region ride to celebrate the autumn equinox, with plans for hikes at Phnom Kulen and guided equinox tours; the equinox cycling event is set to become bi-annual. Aviation & Access: Techo International Airport’s big capacity jump is arriving faster than passenger demand, with experts pointing to the need for better route development, tourism promotion, and airline support to connect Phnom Penh to key destinations. Safety & Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department updated its Cambodia advisory to Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”), flagging crime risks in Phnom Penh and warning travelers to be careful across several provinces including Siem Reap. Cambodia-EU Trade Diplomacy: A Cambodian business delegation wrapped up a multi-nation trade mission to Latvia, Romania, and Bulgaria, aiming to open EU trade corridors and attract investment. Tourism-Linked Business Moves: Guangxi launched a multilingual departure tax refund guide and e-map for overseas visitors, including Cambodian, to make shopping and refunds easier around the China-ASEAN Expo. Hotel Quality Signal: Minor Hotels says 18 properties earned 22 MICHELIN Keys in 2026, a boost for brands including Anantara, Avani and Tivoli.

Aviation & Tourism Demand: Techo International Airport has opened a major new capacity boost for Cambodia, but 2026 passenger traffic has weakened, leaving airlines to prove routes and connections can turn the $2.3bn upgrade into real tourism growth. Heritage & Visitor Experience: Angkor’s equinox sunrise and sunset moments are being framed as more than scenery—an astronomy-and-engineering story that adds a fresh angle for travelers planning temple visits. Phnom Penh Travel Calendar: Cambodia’s 2027 public holiday schedule is set at 22 days, with Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and Water Festival creating key travel peaks for families and holidaymakers. Scam-Crackdown Tourism Signal: Cambodia says major online scam centres have been shut down after a crackdown, aiming to restore international confidence—an issue that directly affects visitor perceptions. Regional Trade for Tourism Links: Cambodia’s Commerce Ministry is in Nanning for the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo, where tourism is among the sectors being promoted alongside broader business matching. Cross-border Disruption Risk: A Thailand–Cambodia maritime dispute has moved into a UN-backed conciliation process, with potential knock-on effects for regional stability that travelers and operators watch closely. Travel Costs Watch: FedEx has announced new demand surcharges on shipments to/from multiple countries including Cambodia, a reminder that logistics costs can ripple into travel and retail supply chains.

Online Scam Crackdown: Cambodia says major online scam centres are now shut down after a crackdown that began mid-2025, with officials briefing diplomatic missions and international partners—aimed at restoring tourist confidence and improving the country’s international image. Tourism Calendar: Cambodia’s 2027 public holiday schedule is set at 22 days, including Khmer New Year (3 days), Pchum Ben (Sep 29–Oct 1), and Water Festival (Nov 12–14), with other holidays mostly one day each. Trade & Tourism Promotion: “Sousdey Indonesia 2026” opened in Phnom Penh, spotlighting Indonesian products to Cambodian consumers and strengthening bilateral trade and tourism ties. Regional Business Push: The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo opened in Nanning, with Cambodia’s Commerce Minister attending and tourism among the sectors showcased for China-ASEAN partnerships. Investment Rules Update: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a protocol to amend their investment agreement, aiming for non-discriminatory treatment and more legal certainty for enterprises across ASEAN. Travel Payments Watch: As India’s UPI expands abroad, the system is positioned to make cross-border payments easier for Indian tourists and travellers. Tourism-Linked Logistics: FedEx announced demand surcharges on some international routes, including services involving Cambodia, which could affect travel-related cargo costs.

Tourism Confidence & Safety: PM Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s push to crack down on online scams and online gambling, saying the measures are meant to restore tourist and investor confidence; from October, online gambling at all casinos will be suspended. Heritage Tourism: “Run for Heritage” drew about 1,200 tourists to Koh Ker for a 7-kilometre run, celebrating the site’s UNESCO listing and highlighting temple conservation and biodiversity. Travel Planning (Local): Cambodia’s 2027 public holiday calendar was set with 22 days, including three-day Khmer New Year (April), Pchum Ben (Sept 29–Oct 1) and Water Festival (Nov 12–14). Regional Trade & Tourism Links: “Sousdey Indonesia 2026” opened in Phnom Penh to promote Indonesian products and strengthen Cambodia–Indonesia trade and tourism ties. Air Travel Costs: FedEx announced demand surcharges on U.S.-bound shipments, including from Cambodia, which could affect logistics for travel-related goods. Climate Watch for Visitors: El Niño-linked weather extremes are threatening sugarcane production across Asia, a reminder of broader regional climate pressures that can ripple into travel economies.

Public Holidays Update: Cambodia has set a 2027 calendar with 22 public holidays, including three-day Khmer New Year (April), Pchum Ben (Sept 29–Oct 1) and Water Festival (Nov 12–14), while February, July and August will have no national holidays. Tourism Safety & Confidence: Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the crackdown on online scams and online gambling, with casino online gambling suspended from October, as Cambodia seeks to rebuild tourist and investor confidence. Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” advisory for Cambodia, with a Level 4 “Do not travel” warning within 50 km of the Cambodia–Thailand border due to military tensions and unexploded ordnance risks. Heritage Tourism Push: “Run for Heritage” drew about 1,200 tourists to Koh Ker to celebrate its UNESCO listing and highlight conservation work and temple restoration. Mekong Wildlife & Tourism: Irrawaddy dolphins remain a key Mekong tourism draw, with conservation efforts offering cautious hope after recent population setbacks. Trade & Regional Links: Cambodia’s trade with ASEAN and the EU rose in the first eight months of 2026, and Kampong Speu was selected for CAEXPO’s “Charming Cities” showcase.