What are the latest trends in Cambodia’s real estate and hospitality market? Our international speakers shared valuable expert perspectives and held in-depth discussions on market performance and future opportunities at HoSkar Night Phnom Penh 2025. Here’s a quick look at the key insights.
Cambodia Hospitality Market: A Look At The Numbers
Bousserind Comson – Director Of Hotel Intelligence – APAC, HotStats
- Phnom Penh hotels report exceptional growth from January to April, with TRevPAR (Total Revenues Per Available Room) up 12% and GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit Per Available Room) rising by 30%. These growth rates, previously seen in other Southeast Asian markets during 2023 – 2024, are now being observed in Cambodia while other SEA markets are beginning to show signs of slowdown.
- Total revenue growth of Cambodia is driven by increased guest and local spending across departments, especially health clubs (500%+ growth), spa, and optimized F&B performance.
- Cambodian luxury hotels are achieving strong GOP margins (37 – 38%), while the Southeast Asia average has either grown modestly or begun to slow down.
Branded Residences – Global Trends & Asia Focus
Uyen Nguyen – Associate Director – SE Asia, Savills Hotels
- The branded residences sector is growing rapidly worldwide, with Asia Pacific seeing even stronger momentum, driven by rising demand for high-quality, brand-associated residential living.
- Developers benefit from brand premiums of up to 30% globally and 21% in Asia, along with advantages like pre-sales financing, design support, prestige positioning, professional management, and rental potential.
- Over 320 branded residence projects are active across Asia Pacific, with development concentrated in key regional markets where luxury and lifestyle demand continues to accelerate.
Key Design Trends Transforming Hospitality Developments
José Cláudio Silva – Design Principal, 10 Design
- Narrative and storytelling drive the design process, with each hotel, whether a business property or luxury resort, and even modest three-star hotels, aiming to amaze and create lasting memories.
- Projects demand flexibility and adaptability, from futuristic icons to nature-led resorts, balancing visionary design with real-world constraints, local culture, and complex site conditions.
- One of our most challenging projects is The Luxury Collection by Marriott in Phu Quoc, an integrated resort featuring a casino and retail components. Located on an island accessible only by cable car or boat, it stands out as a truly unique development.
Developers Panel: Cambodia Real Estate, Hospitality & Branded Residences
Mauro Gasparotti – Senior Director, Head Of SE Asia, Savills Hotels led this discussion alongside David Richard – Senior Director – Hospitality Investment & Development, Canopy Sands Development; Michel Cassagnes – Regional Managing Director Of Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam, Archetype Group; Melita Koulmandas – CEO & Founder, Song Saa Collective; Sokoun Chanpreda – Owner, TRIBE Phnom Penh; Hy Sothea – Chief Executive Officer, Khou Group; David Roberts – Chief Operating Officer, Fusion Hotel Group; Sunnaline Himyon – Managing Director, Sokhalay Angkor Hotel (SR).
- Cambodia’s tourism outlook is mixed. The new Phnom Penh airport, opening in September, presents a “tremendous opportunity” to welcome wide-body aircraft and new airlines, while current demand remains uneven during the green season.
- Sihanoukville has an enormous amount of potential. New infrastructure, government incentives, and major industrial investments are driving redevelopment and renewed investor interest.
- Siem Reap faces challenges in repeat visitation as a “once-in-a-lifetime” destination. Diversification efforts can be made, including promoting culinary, wellness, event, and volunteer tourism, while also targeting the massive Indian market.
- Hotel strategies vary between independent and branded models, and each comes with pros and cons. Many local operators value flexibility and storytelling, while wellness emerges as a growing trend with the potential to boost both tourism and hotel performance.
Cambodia Hospitality Market – What’s Going On Out There?
Douglas Louden – Principal, Perceptions Hospitality led this discussion alongside Sarah Moya – General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh; Daniel Simon – Managing Director, Rosewood Phnom Penh; Joseph Colina – General Manager, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor; Sylvaine Colle – General Manager, The Bale Phnom Penh; Ayub Yulianto – General Manager, Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort.
- The Cambodian tourism is facing an image issue, as concerns about safety and scams have led to hesitation among international travelers and corporate staff. This underscores the need for a unified rebranding effort to enhance the country’s appeal and rebuild confidence.
- Sihanoukville’s foreign arrivals have significantly declined in 2024, with the city now relying on domestic day-trippers despite some growth in economic zone activity.
- Visitor numbers to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap have declined by half since 2019, with mass tourism still struggling, while luxury hotels continue to perform well. Recovery in Siem Reap is held back by a lack of new flights, frequent cancellations, and poor coordination with the airport.
- Phnom Penh’s hotel market sees growing competition from new supply. Maintaining rate integrity remains key amid rising pressure from lower-spending tourist segments.
HoSkar Night brings together developers, hotel owners, operators, investors, designers and brand leaders. Whether you’re exploring new ideas, looking for strategic partners, or simply reconnecting with peers – HoSkar Night has something for everyone.
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