By MoT
Phnom Penh, His Excellency HUOT Hak, Minister
of Tourism, presided over the opening ceremony of the Cambodia Travel Match 2026 Mini-Series, an important platform aimed at promoting Cambodia’s tourism sector to the global market while strengthening cooperation between international tourism buyers from China, Vietnam, and Myanmar and local tourism sellers. The event seeks to expand business networks, exchange experiences, and share the latest information on tourism development at both regional and global levels, Approximately 200 participants attended the event.
On this occasion, H.E. the Minister expressed his appreciation to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Cambodia Tourism Federation (CTF), the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB), sponsoring partners, and all stakeholders for their collaboration in organizing this significant event to contribute to the promotion of Cambodia’s tourism sector.
H.E. the Minister emphasized that the Cambodia Travel Match 2026, now being organized for the third time, serves as a comprehensive and sustainable tourism marketplace that reflects Cambodia’s proactive response to the rapidly changing global tourism landscape through stronger market connectivity and long-term partnerships.
At the same time, H.E. the Minister highlighted that despite uncertainties in the global and regional economic and geopolitical situation in 2025, Cambodia still welcomed approximately 5.6 million international tourists, demonstrating the quality growth and resilience of Cambodia’s tourism sector. During the first four months of 2026 alone, Cambodia received more than 1.3 million international tourists, of which over 330,000 were Chinese tourists, ranking first, followed by approximately 312,000 Vietnamese tourists in second place, and more than 10,000 tourists from Myanmar.
H.E. the Minister also informed the gathering that the Royal Government of Cambodia has approved in principle the Visa Exemption Pilot Program for Chinese tourists for a four-month period from 15 June to 15 October 2026. This historic decision for Cambodia’s tourism sector presents an important opportunity for tourism operators to further promote and attract more visitors to Cambodia.
H.E. the Minister stressed that Cambodia is a safe destination for tourism and investment under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, during the 7th mandate of the Royal Government. The government continues to preserve peace, political stability, security, public order, and socio-economic development based on the foundation of lasting peace established by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current Acting Head of State of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
H.E. the Minister further noted that Cambodia is rich in world-renowned cultural heritage, particularly the Angkor area, vibrant cities, beautiful coastal destinations, the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake landscapes, eco-tourism areas, community-based tourism destinations, and Khmer cuisine with unique identity and authenticity.
In addition, Cambodia offers a dynamic investment environment supported by the Royal Government’s strong support for the private sector, improving infrastructure, and stronger regional connectivity through Techo International Airport and Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. These developments are strengthening Cambodia’s role as a regional tourism and business hub while creating new investment opportunities in hospitality, aviation, logistics, meetings and events, integrated resorts, eco-tourism, and multi-destination tourism.
Before concluding, H.E.the Minister informed the audience that the Ministry of Tourism has officially launched the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign from May to October, a special season for tourists to experience new perspectives on Cambodia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The campaign features special promotional packages aligned with the “6 Musts” campaign, including: Must See, Must Stay, Must Taste, Must Visit, Must Try, and Must Buy.
n closing, H.E. the Minister expressed his sincere appreciation to PATA, CTF, CTB, sponsoring partners, and all stakeholders for their close cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism in successfully organizing this event as planned.
