Govt, private sector push for wider tie-ups to boost tourism

Govt, private sector push for wider tie-ups to boost tourism

Hun Many calls for expanding tourism soft power by promoting the uniqueness of Khmer culture, arts, customs, and traditions to enhance national prestige and boost investment attractiveness.

The Royal Government and private sector stakeholders Wednesday called for enhanced collaboration among state agencies, businesses, citizens, and development partners to revitalise the tourism sector following a sharp decline in foreign arrivals.

The commitment was made during the 30th anniversary of the Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA) on Wednesday in Phnom Penh.

Presiding over the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service Hun Many highlighted the significance of the Public-Private-People-Partnership (PPPP) model in driving national development and unlocking Cambodia’s tourism potential.

“This strong partnership will continue to be an important driving force for the growth of the ‘Cultural and Nature Tourism’ sector, which the Royal Government considers as ‘green gold’ and an on-site export. It contributes directly to job creation, increasing incomes, improving livelihoods, and conserving cultural and environmental resources,” Many said.

He also urged Cambodian citizens to actively participate as cultural diplomats.

“Every Cambodian is a goodwill ambassador and a representative of our national identity on the international stage. Let us join hands in expanding our tourism soft power by promoting the uniqueness of Khmer culture, arts, customs, and traditions to enhance national prestige and boost investment attractiveness,” he added.

Echoing these sentiments, Minister of Tourism Huot Hak urged tourism associations, tour operators, and related stakeholders to actively engage in upcoming promotional campaigns, particularly targeting the Chinese market.

“The tourism sector requires inter-sectoral cooperation. The determining factors for our success are proactive, active, and interactive operations,” Hak said.

The event coincided with the Kingdom’s upcoming trial implementation of a visa exemption policy for Chinese nationals, set to run from June 15 to October 15, 2026.

Under the incentive, Chinese passport holders entering Cambodia from any departure point will grant a 14-day stay free of charge and application requirements, needing only to complete the electronic E-arrival card. The policy also permits multiple entries during the four-month window.

CATA President Chhay Sivlin affirmed the private sector’s readiness to support the government’s latest travel facilitation measures.

“The private sector is fully prepared to cooperate closely with government entities and the Ministry of Tourism to heavily promote the country’s potential and attract more international visitors, especially from China,” she said.

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