28 The evolution in tourism arrivals is also evidenced by unabated growth year-on-year, which also establishes a seasonal pattern, with fluctuation peaks in March, July-August and December: The geography and climate of Cambodia have made it a popular destination in winter months: The intense development of Cambodia as a tourism destination has been perpetuated by the development of important transportation infrastructure; in particular Cambodia’s two international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap respectively. AIRPORT TRAFFIC Cambodia’s aviation market grew by 13% in 2014, the fastest rate in Southeast Asia, driven by an over 20% increase in arrivals from China. Cambodia has now experienced double digit passenger growth for five consecutive years, an impressive but little known achievement. Passenger traffic across Cambodia’s three airports increased by 13% to 5.73 million in 2014, representing a 13% growth over the 5.08 million passengers handled in 2013. Siem Reap surpassed the 3 million mark for the first time. The growth rate slowed from 18% in 2013 but outpaced other Southeast Asian markets as the Cambodian tourism sector seemed to benefit from turmoil among its neighbouring destinations. Passenger traffic has grown by over 50% since 2011 as Cambodia Airports recorded 18% growth in both 2012 and 2013. For three years running Cambodia has been one of the fastest growing markets in Asia. While several other Southeast Asian markets also grew at double digit clips in 2012 and 2013 most markets saw a significant slowdown in 2014. FIGURE №4. CAMBODIA AIRPORTS TOTAL PASSENGER FIGURES: 2005 TO 2014 FIGURE №5. TOURISTS ARRIVALS TREND
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc0MzY4Mg==