Cambodia, with its deep Buddhist roots, has immense potential as a sacred destination for spiritual tourism. This potential is particularly enriched by its historical connections with spiritual practices, not only within its borders but also through historical connections with countries such as India, Indonesia, and other Asian neighbors.
According to Statista.com, Cambodia’s travel and tourism market is expected to generate revenue of $286.4 million this year. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the Kingdom market from 2024 to 2028 is estimated to be around 7.68%. By 2028, the market size is expected to be $385 million.
Clemmy Barasoth, owner of Phoenix Lab Asia and sales and marketing director of Real Spa Cambodia, said that Cambodia’s spiritual depth is primarily known for its general tourism attraction and as a hub for international investment. said it is often underrepresented in mainstream tourism narratives. It is no longer limited to religious pilgrimages and visits to ancient places of worship.
Randi Fadrila Nasser, Marcom Manager at Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1, said Cambodia as a spiritual tourism destination is threatened by established spiritual and digital nomad centers in Indonesia, particularly Bali and Thailand. Ta. Yoga is established in such places. and other spiritual retreat routes. The position of these countries is further strengthened by many factors such as core influencers documenting their spiritual journeys and easy visas.
Cambodia takes inspiration from Bhutan’s focus on holistic well-being and environmentally friendly tourism practices, as well as high-value, low-impact tourism that prioritizes quality experiences. Jeremy Clement, general manager of Peninsula Phnom Penh, said With the rise of technology, Cambodia is now leveraging virtual platforms to make these spiritual experiences accessible to audiences around the world, even if they are unable to physically travel to Cambodia.
Corporate Wellness Specialist Mark Cheng felt it was important to balance tourism growth with the preservation of sacred sites and the authenticity of spiritual practices. As people seek respite from fast-paced modern life and turn to the solace of spirituality, destinations like Cambodia that offer a rich spiritual heritage and tranquil natural environment become even more attractive. Probably.
Jean-Benoît Lasselin, C4 Partner at C4 Adventures, said the future of spiritual tourism is poised to grow, especially as wellness becomes a prominent trend.
David Jaya Piot, chairman of the Siem Reap branch of the Cambodian Hotel Association, said it was a good idea to make the Cambodian brand synonymous with spirituality, given the existing reputation of Cambodians as some of the warmest people in the world. He said it made a lot of sense.
