Leaders from the tourism minister and private sector representatives from the tourism industry pose for a photograph after the May 7 meeting. Tourism ministry
The Cambodian tourism industry’s traditional low season begins in April and continues until October. As it coincides with fewer public holidays in Europe and North America, the Kingdom receives fewer foreign visitors.
In February, Prime Minister Hun Manet endorsed the launch of the “Green Season” campaign. It will replace the term “low season” for this period, when the monsoon winds typically bring more rain to the Kingdom.
The goal is to provide tourists with a refreshing and unique experience of Cambodia’s natural beauty during the monsoon months, characterised by lush greenery, cooler weather and crisp, fresh air.
On May 7, Minister of Tourism Huot Hak chaired a meeting of a working group, established to promote tourism during the Green Season. He urged the private sector to participate by offering discounts on accommodation and meals, improving hospitality services to ensure guests receive a warm welcome, and most importantly, organising tourism events across the capital and provinces.
The minister also called for the involvement of Cambodian content creators in the tourism field.
He highlighted that in the first three months of 2025, Cambodia received nearly 2 million international tourists, an increase of over 16% compared to the same period in 2024.
Hak believed that this reflects the country's tourism potential, peace and political stability, public order, welcoming hospitality, diverse accommodation and food options, entertainment and growing infrastructure — all factors which attract more visitors to Cambodia.
“To improve the quality of hospitality services for both domestic and international guests during the current green season, I propose that the private sector come together to offer discounts at hotels and restaurants, enhance hospitality with warmth and care, and organise tourism events across the capital and provinces,” he said.
“These should be strategically planned, creative and embedded with Khmer cultural identity. Strengthening cooperation among all relevant stakeholders is key to driving more tourist arrivals in 2025,” he added.
Din Somethearith, president of the Cambodia Tourism Federation (CTF), told The Post on May 8 that the Green Season in Cambodia features more pleasant weather — cooler than March and April — and occasional rainfall.
He noted that for European tourists however, this is not typically a time for long-distance travel. He added that the cost of accommodations and venues is lower during this season due to decreased foreign arrivals.
He suggested that because the Green Season is not ideal for attracting European tourists, Cambodia should instead focus on appealing to tourists from the ASEAN region, as well as China, Japan and South Korea. The Green Season is also considered a high season for agri-tourism and fruit harvesting, with local produce like mangoes, oranges and durians.
“We hope things will improve if we implement the right strategies. The tourism minister has encouraged widespread and effective promotion, so people can understand what the Green Season is and what special experiences Cambodia offers during this time,” he said.
However, he also pointed out some infrastructure challenges in accessing some eco-tourism sites during the rainy season.
