2025 is upon us and although we will need to wait for confirmation of whether the Kingdom of Cambodia has surpassed its international arrivals compared to the pre-pandemic labels for the first time, there certainly have been policy changes and amendments made to immigration which make it a more seamless and digital experience for anyone visiting Cambodia by air.
There is a push for increased diversification of tourism activities and massive ongoing developments along the coast, as well as services targeting not only mainstream visitors but also high-end luxury visitors bode well for the growth of the real estate and property market in 2025 and beyond.
Bakong Tourists App
The launch of the National Bank of Cambodia’s digital payment system for tourists via the Bakong Tourists app still needs better effective marketing and education for local vendors and tourists. However, once it gains wider adoption it really will remove so many of the minor inconveniences that visitors experience from dealing with currency conversions to concerns of being ripped off, and the rejection of blemished USD notes which remains an issue.
Before the end of 2024, users were now able to link certain credit cards to the app.
Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) Digital Immigration
The launch of the Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) system in 2024 has helped replace the previous paper forms used for immigration. The CeA replaces the; physical paper immigration form; Health form; and Customs Declaration and in our opinion, having used this several times, it's much more seamless and easier than the older system.
Visitors and tourists can as of 2024, and going into 2025, also apply for visas online more easily and pay for them cashless before arrival or on arrival at the international airports.
The talks of ASEAN visa-exemption schemes for international visitors have also surfaced again, but these have been rumoured for several years now.
Increasingly Diverse Coastal Attractions
There have been a number of announcements over the past year which are hoped to revitalise and diversify the types of tourists, investors and property buyers in Cambodia's increasingly popular coastal areas in 2025 and beyond.
There are some massive developments ongoing, including the investment and infrastructure developments to the newly named “Koh Rong City”, the US $16 billion real estate development in Sihanoukville Canopy Sands’ ‘Bay of Light’ project, as well as the investment opportunities being presented for Sihanoukville as a Rising Star.
Untapped Luxury Travel Market
There are already some award-winning private and luxury resorts and island getaways operating off the southern Cambodian coast, including Song Saa Island, Koh Russey Resort by Alila Hotels & Resorts, and Six Senses Krabey Island. 2025 will see the addition of the JATI Koh Russey in Q1 2025.
The attraction targets the luxury travel market segment and HMD Asia will open the newest private island resort on Koh Russey with a scheduled launch date of March 2025. The group manages numerous properties in Southeast Asia, including the Shinta Mani Hotels in Cambodia, TRIBE Hotel in Phnom Penh, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, La Residence D’Angkor in Siem Reap, and several destination restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
More Private Charter Services Operating In Cambodia In 2025?
CamJets - Private Jet Services
CamJets was launched by the Royal Group of Cambodia citing the need for private jet charters and flights being needed to boost tourism targeting exclusive travel and tourism experiences.
CamJets Royal Group's new private jet service aims to offer a wide range of advanced options for business travellers and will play a significant role in developing Cambodia's aviation sector.” The fleet options from CamJets include the option of a Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft which can accommodate 9-11 guests, or the smaller Bombardier Lear 60 XR which can accommodate up to 8 guests depending on the configurations.
VET Airways (Virak Buntham Air) - Cambodian Seaplanes
Virak Buntham Express announced in mid-2024 that it would also launch VET Airways, a seaplane service also intended to diversify the travel options available and to promote tourism in Cambodia.
The facilities for its base and flight training are located in Dara Sakor with the last update suggesting operations were expected by the end of 2024 and Seaplane air charters available in 2025, and the airport itself in Dara Sakor due to have limited operations before the end of 2024.
New Airports Should Be Gateways To New Markets
In addition to two new airports coming online in 2025 in Cambodia, the signing of Protocol 5 – will also target increased air connectivity across ASEAN if all members approve it In 2025. The protocol allows for stopover rights between flight points within any of the ASEAN member states.
Selected media reported enthusiasm and optimism that Protocol 5 will be implemented and that airlines are already preparing to adjust their schedules and route offerings to make the most of these new opportunities.
By the end of 2024, approximately 30 airlines operate direct flights from eight ASEAN countries to the Kingdom - and some announced flights which were hoped to be available before the end of 2024, should be available in 2025, including:
- Cambodia and Turkey are hoping for direct flights following a meeting between senior members from both countries.
- For Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), Sky Angkor Airlines will offer direct flights to Incheon, Korea in January 2025.
- ASIANA Airlines is due to launch direct flights from Incheon to SAI.
- IndiaGo has confirmed direct flights to SIA which are expected to launch in February 2025 between Kolkata and Siem Reap.
Techo International Airport (TIA) - Launch Planned For July 2025
After initially being announced to launch operations in the first half of 2025, the launch of the under-construction Techo International Airport (TIA) has been rescheduled to commence officially in July 2025 in the Cambodian capital. It's probably the most exciting infrastructure project in the coming year and offers a mix of opportunities and a boost for several sectors if the airport is launched well.
Located approximately 20 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, the massive airport development has been designed to accommodate long-haul flights from aircraft such as the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced it will be launching five flights per week between Abu Dhabi and the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on 4 October 2025 and is the first major international airline to offer a new route to the airport which helps open up the Gulf and Arabian markets.
Emirates restarted flights to Phnom Penh in 2024 from Dubai (with a stopover in Singapore), and Qatar Airways resumed flights between Doha and Cambodia in October 2023.
From a real estate perspective, the new airport opening and the completion of the Techo Sky Bridge as well as other associated infrastructure means the southern corridor is poised for growth.
Find out about the top condo handovers expected in Phnom Penh in 2025.
Dara Sakor International Airport Should See Operations Expand Across 2025
The delayed opening of the Dara Sakor International Airport finally saw it being launched albeit with limited operations in December 2024, and the first phase will serve only private charter and domestic flights. The airport in Cambodia’s southwestern Koh Kong province is intended to attract international passengers and link Cambodia with new destinations in the region and domestically.
You can read more about the developments in Dara Sakor.
Following the completion of successful test flights in September 2024, the first domestic charter flights were announced for 26 December 2024 between the Phnom Penh International Airport and the Dara Sakor International Airport - this will help transport willing visitors and investors to more parts of the Kingdom to explore opportunities.
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