By MoT
Phnom Penh. Progress Review Meeting of the Tourism Working Group (Working Group “B”) under the Government-Private Sector Forum.
H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism, presided over the Progress Review Meeting of the Tourism Working Group (Working Group “B”) under the Government-Private Sector Forum, an important mechanism for strengthening the partnership between the Royal Government and the private sector. The meeting aimed to jointly review work progress, address challenges, respond to requests from the private sector, and identify key measures to restore and strengthen the resilience of Cambodia’s tourism sector.
This important meeting was attended by Oknha Luu Meng, Co-Chair of the Tourism Working Group (Working Group “B”); H.E. Excellencies representing relevant ministries and institutions; senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism; representatives of the private sector, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, tourism industry associations, tourism operators, as well as national and international distinguished guests, totaling approximately 150 participants.
Speaking at the meeting, H.E. Minister emphasized that the meeting was both important and timely, particularly as Cambodia’s tourism sector has faced a noticeable decline in international tourist arrivals during the first half of 2026. This situation has been influenced by several challenges, including negative publicity and technology-enabled scam crimes, issues along the Cambodia-Thailand border, as well as tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, which have contributed to higher fuel prices and affected international travel.
Against this challenging backdrop, H.E. Minister highlighted that the Royal Government of Cambodia has continuously introduced a series of intervention measures to support the private sector. At the same time, he stressed that strong public-private partnership is an indispensable force for transforming challenges into opportunities and restoring momentum in Cambodia’s tourism sector.
The meeting also acknowledged and highly appreciated the efforts of representatives from the public and private sectors and all relevant stakeholders, which have produced notable positive results. A total of 22 measures have now been fully implemented. The two most recently completed measures are:(1) the development of the Phnom Kulen area as a nature-based tourism destination; and (2) the development of a Green Belt, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on cooperation to promote Green Belts in tourism areas and strengthen the efficiency of agricultural production value chains, signed on 1 August 2026.
The meeting also reviewed and discussed 11 requests from the private sector, including, among others: visa exemptions for priority target markets; the establishment of a tourism development fund to support destination branding, marketing and overseas tourism promotion; upgrading major national events to international-level events and expanding their promotion; improving domestic air connectivity between tourism destinations; creating a more favorable environment for investment and business activities in the tourism sector; and other related requests.
In parallel, discussions also focused on proposals to increase direct air connectivity from key target markets, which will require in-depth coordination and dialogue among the tourism sector, civil aviation authorities, airlines, and the private sector.
As an outcome of the meeting, participants proposed a set of urgent and concrete key measures that are practical and realistic, focusing on restoring Cambodia’s reputation and positive image on the international stage; strengthening confidence among international travelers; intensifying tourism marketing and promotional activities; attracting and bringing more major international events to Cambodia; and further stimulating domestic tourism movements.
