Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, recorded a surge in visitors exceeding 11 million people in 2024, a 63 percent increase compared to the previous year. This transformation reflects Cambodia's stable economic growth, with a focus on urban infrastructure development.
According to Khmer Times, within a year, the city saw the construction of 453 housing complexes, 1,877 high-rise buildings, and 811 factories. With a population growing at around 3 percent annually, the local government is strengthening public services, including schools, healthcare, and waste management, to create a livable city amid rapid modernization. The Phnom Penh Land Use Master Plan 2035 even projects the city’s population to reach 6 million by 2035.
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While Angkor Wat and Siem Reap remain Cambodia's main tourist attractions, Phnom Penh is increasingly positioning itself as a key destination, particularly for travelers seeking vibrant urban experiences. In the last two days of 2024, the city recorded 1.6 million visitors, dominated by domestic tourists and nearly 20,000 foreign travelers.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has encouraged the transformation of the capital to be on par with other leading ASEAN capitals, focusing not only on infrastructure but also on cultural and tourism appeal, as reported by Khmer Times.
The record-breaking 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, highlights the critical role of the tourism sector as a driving force for Cambodia's economic growth, with more than 7.2 million foreign visitors targeted for 2025.
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However, this rapid growth does not come without challenges. With Cambodia’s economy projected to grow by 6.3 percent in 2025, well above the Southeast Asian average, the government faces pressures to ensure sustainable development.
According to Khmer Times, the projected GDP of $51.39 billion and GDP per capita of $2,924 signal great potential, raising concerns about social inequality, uneven urbanization, and strains on city infrastructure.
Phnom Penh's ability to balance economic development with the needs of its citizens will serve as a benchmark for Cambodia's sustainable growth in the coming decade.