Cambodia, European Business Groups Strengthen Tourism Partnership

Cambodia, European Business Groups Strengthen Tourism Partnership

Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, met with a delegation of more than 20 representatives from the EU–ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham Cambodia) at the Ministry of Tourism on March 5.

The delegation was led by Noel Clehane, Vice Chair of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.

During the meeting, the EU-ABC and EuroCham Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to continue working closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Ministry of Tourism to further develop the country’s tourism sector.

They noted that their members have been investing in and expanding businesses in Cambodia for more than 30 years.

Citing Cambodia’s improving investment environment—along with peace and security, political stability, strong tourism potential, and a young and dynamic workforce—the delegation expressed strong interest in expanding investments in several areas.

These include sustainable tourism development, ecotourism initiatives, nightlife tourism combined with food and beverage services in major tourist cities, authentic Cambodian art souvenirs, and the digital transformation of tourism services.

In response, Hak expressed his deep appreciation to the EU-ABC and EuroCham Cambodia for their continued support and active contributions to Cambodia’s economic and tourism development, as well as to the strong diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the European Union over the past three decades.

He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to strengthening and expanding public–private partnerships with the EU-ABC and EuroCham Cambodia under the principle of a dynamic single stakeholder.

The cooperation aims to promote tourism investment and attract more international visitors, particularly by encouraging direct flights from major European cities to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap following the inauguration of Techo International Airport (KTI) in October 2025.

Both sides expressed their determination to further strengthen cooperation in promoting Cambodia’s tourism potential and investment opportunities. The partnership aims to support the continued development of Cambodia’s tourism sector, making it more sustainable, resilient, and competitive both regionally and globally.

Representatives from the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) also participated in the high-level discussion. The alliance’s members include multinational companies such as Pernod Ricard, DHL Express, Heineken, and JT International.

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