Cambodia, Canada outline steps to boost tourism cooperation

Cambodia, Canada outline steps to boost tourism cooperation

The Kingdom is ready to welcome the growing number of Canadian tourists, which is expected to increase further in 2026, says Hak.

Cambodia and Canada Wednesday discussed means to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector.

The matter came up for discussion during a meeting between Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and Canadian Ambassador to Cambodia Christian DesRoches.

Apart from deliberating on bilateral tourism ties, both Hak and Ambassador DesRoches talked about organising side events for the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026 in Siem Reap province.

During the meeting, Ambassador DesRoches praised Cambodia’s progress across sectors and highlighted the country’s high level of safety and stability. He also commended the long-standing cooperation between the two countries and pointed to major Canadian investments in Cambodia, including Vattanac Bank Asia (ABA), as examples of confidence in Cambodia’s investment and tourism potential and the dynamism of its people.

He further expressed Canada’s support for the MoT in organising the “Village Francophone,” a key side event of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap province.

In response, Hak thanked the Canadian government and people for their continued support, particularly in the tourism sector.

He noted the steady rise in Canadian arrivals and the direct investment by the National Bank of Canada, which has improved payment services for Canadian tourists and business travelers in Cambodia.

“Cambodia is ready to welcome the growing number of Canadian tourists, which is expected to increase further in 2026 from nearly 45,000 in 2025,” Hak said.

“We will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Canadian Embassy to promote Cambodia’s tourism and investment potential, improve safety and infrastructure connectivity, promote tourism events, and enhance the quality of tourism and hospitality services,” said Hak.

Earlier, Ambassador DesRoches told Khmer Times that Canada is seeking to expand trade and investment ties with Cambodia, as investors see huge opportunities in the agriculture, education and industry sectors. ​​

The Ambassador identified education development, agro-food processing, agriculture, tourism, and machinery as potential sectors for investment, noting Cambodia’s growing role as an industrial exporter.

It may be recalled that the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026 will be held over three days, from November 14 to 16, with Cambodia hosting the event in Siem Reap-Angkor.

The summit will provide an important opportunity for the Cambodian government to strengthen diplomatic ties with heads of state and government from around 90 full member and observer countries of the Francophonie.

khmertimeskh