Chinese influencers boost Kingdom’s tourism as arrivals soar

Synopsis: Influencers livestreamed and produced short-form videos for millions of followers, presenting Cambodia as a must-visit destination celebrated for its cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse travel offerings.

Livestreaming and short videos by Chinese influencers have helped renew attention to Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap province, resulting in a sharp rise in Chinese tourist arrivals this year.

In the first ten months of the year, visitors from China surpassed the one million mark, up 44.6 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Tourism.

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) recently welcomed a group of prominent Chinese influencers to Siem Reap as part of a strategic digital tourism initiative designed to strengthen Cambodia’s presence across major Chinese online platforms.

The campaign sought to attract more travellers from one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing source markets by showcasing authentic experiences and cultural richness.

Influencers livestreamed and produced short-form videos for millions of followers, presenting Cambodia as a must-visit destination celebrated for its cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse travel offerings.

Their journey began at sunrise in Angkor Wat and continued with tours across the Angkor Archaeological Park, covering the iconic Angkor Wat Temple, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Beng Mealea.

The group also engaged in community-based tourism activities, including a visit to Preah Dak Village and an excursion to Kampong Phluk floating village, where they enjoyed a sunset cruise.

According to a CTB statement, the influencers immersed themselves in Siem Reap’s culinary landscape, dining at leading local restaurants and refined establishments while also attending cultural performances and taking part in artisan activities that highlighted Cambodia’s creative heritage.

They were hosted with premium accommodations, spa experiences, and hospitality reflective of the Kingdom’s reputation. Their real-time content, shared across WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu, provided Chinese audiences an authentic look into Siem Reap’s landmarks, cuisine, and community life, significantly boosting Cambodia’s visibility online.

In an interaction with Khmer Times, CTB Chief Executive Officer Kim Minea said Cambodia is widely recognised for its warm hospitality and cultural and natural heritage.

Minea was instrumental in inviting international media and content creators to visit and do stories that capture the nation’s resilient, safe, and welcoming spirit.

Chinese influencer Tang Bo Hu addressed a common concern during a livestream on Douyin, saying, “You might be worried that Cambodia is not safe, but when I came here, everything is fine, and I feel safe.”

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