By MoT
Phnom Penh, H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, together with Neak Oknha Lu Meng, Co-Chair of the Tourism Working Group (Group “B”), presided over the opening ceremony of the seminar on “Tourism Diplomacy and Gastronomy Tourism Linked with Gastro-Diplomacy.
” The seminar was organized to gather fresh ideas and inputs from all relevant institutions for the formulation of a new strategy to strengthen tourism diplomacy and gastro-diplomacy, one of the most influential forms of soft power, to attract and increase both domestic and international tourist arrivals.
The seminar brought together approximately 250 participants, including representatives from relevant ministries and institutions; the Board of Directors of the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB); members of the Tourism, Culture and Arts Working Group under Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister; Neak Oknhas, Oknhas, business leaders, and representatives from the private tourism sector, as well as distinguished national and international guests.
Welcoming the participation of a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, diplomats, chefs, and tourism operators, H.E. the Minister emphasized that their presence clearly demonstrates a strong spirit of unity and shared commitment to advancing tourism diplomacy and gastro-diplomacy. These efforts aim to further promote Cambodia’s tourism industry while enhancing the country’s image and international recognition.
H.E. the Minister noted that the global tourism industry is entering a new era in which competitiveness is no longer determined solely by the attractiveness of destinations themselves, but increasingly by the ability to offer tourism experiences that are authentic, meaningful, and diverse. Today’s travelers seek more than sightseeing; they want to experience local cuisine, discover culture and history, and immerse themselves in the lifestyles of local communities to gain genuine experiences that reflect the identity and uniqueness of each destination.
In this important context, H.E. the Minister stated that tourism diplomacy and gastronomy tourism, when integrated with gastro-diplomacy, have evolved into strategic mechanisms and highly effective soft power tools adopted by many countries across the region and around the world. By promoting their cultural identity and culinary heritage, countries can strengthen their national reputation, enhance their attractiveness as destinations, attract more tourists and foreign direct investment, and support sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic growth.
H.E. the Minister further underscored that tourism product diversification requires collective efforts to develop innovative tourism offerings, such as culinary tourism routes and agri-tourism combined with gastronomy experiences. These products create unique added value that encourages visitors to extend their stays and increase their spending within local economies, thereby generating greater economic benefits for communities and the nation.
In particular, H.E. the Minister further emphasized that innovation in tourism and gastronomy must place strong emphasis on preserving the authenticity of Cambodia’s “original flavors”, while at the same time enhancing hygiene standards and food safety. He noted that these efforts are not only essential to strengthening the competitiveness of Cambodia’s hospitality and tourism sector, but also constitute a strategic preparation by all relevant stakeholders for major international events that Cambodia will host, particularly the Francophonie Summit in November 2026. This landmark event presents an exceptional opportunity for Cambodia to showcase the excellence of Khmer cuisine, elevate the country’s international reputation, and leave a lasting impression on distinguished guests from around the world.
