Cambodia Enhances Tourism Cooperation at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, Focusing on the Sustainable Growth, Investment and Regional Collaboration

Tourism Minister from Cambodia, Hon’ble Minister Huot Hak, is attending the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, held in Cebu, Philippines, to promote and enhance tourism cooperation among ASEAN and other countries of the world. ATF 2026, to be held from January 27 to 31, 2026, on the theme ‘Navigating our future, together,’ is an occasion to explore the future of ASEAN Tourism and a platform to cooperate on sustainable tourism development among ASEAN MS.

The intervention by Cambodia’s Minister Hak serves as an illustration of Cambodia’s increasing dedication towards fostering regional cooperation and coordination in the tourism sector with an aim towards increasing the levels of growth and prosperity in the region. Through engaging in dialogue with ministers and stakeholders, Cambodia aims at ensuring its place as a key player in tourism development within ASEAN with a particular interest and focus on sustainable tourism.

Tourism Cooperation: A Strategic Driver of Economic Growth

At the forum, Minister Hak will take part in various high-level meetings, including the 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers Meeting, and the ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting, to review regional tourism progress and set future priorities for the industry. Through these engagements, Cambodia aims to align its tourism goals with those of its ASEAN neighbors, fostering stronger cooperation and contributing to a unified effort to drive tourism growth in the region.

“Tourism is not just about attracting visitors; it is about building regional collaboration to create a shared economic future,” said Hak. “By working together with our ASEAN partners, we can enhance the tourism ecosystem across Southeast Asia, driving sustainable growth and benefiting local economies through mutual cooperation.”

Through tourism cooperation, Cambodia seeks to foster long-term investments in tourism infrastructure, create cross-border tourism packages, and share knowledge in areas like eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism practices. This collaboration is expected to generate new job opportunities, increase tourism revenue, and promote economic diversification in Cambodia and the wider ASEAN region.

Cambodia’s Growing Role in ASEAN’s Sustainable Tourism Vision

Minister Hak also highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable tourism as part of its Vision 2030 for tourism growth. Cambodia’s focus on eco-tourism and community-based tourism is fully aligned with ASEAN’s broader goals of promoting responsible tourism that respects local cultures and natural environments. Cambodia’s tourism growth vision is to enhance its tourism infrastructure and integrate sustainability into all aspects of the tourism sector, creating a model for eco-tourism in the region.

The country’s tourism sector has already made notable strides, with 2025 visitor numbers expected to surpass 4 million, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, pristine landscapes, and emerging eco-tourism destinations. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable tourism ecosystem that generates economic benefits for local communities, attracts global investors, and contributes to the country’s long-term economic development.

ASEAN Tourism Awards: Cambodia’s Growing Reputation

During the ASEAN Tourism Forum, Cambodia will also be recognized for its tourism achievements with ASEAN tourism awards in categories like sustainable tourism and eco-tourism. These awards highlight the country’s success in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing tourism experiences for visitors while supporting local economies. The recognition at the forum underscores Cambodia’s growing reputation as a key player in ASEAN’s tourism growth and sustainability efforts.

Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to evolve, focusing on diversified tourism offerings such as heritage tourism, beach tourism, and agri-tourism, all of which contribute to regional tourism cooperation. These efforts help Cambodia align with ASEAN’s collective mission of creating a connected, sustainable, and inclusive tourism industry.

Strengthening Bilateral and Multilateral Tourism Partnerships

Minister Hak’s participation at the forum is also an opportunity to engage in bilateral meetings with counterparts and tourism institutions, both within and outside ASEAN. Cambodia’s tourism strategy is to build partnerships with countries like India, China, and Japan, strengthening the tourism pipeline and creating collaborative opportunities in destination marketing, tourism education, and investments in infrastructure.

Additionally, Cambodia is exploring new opportunities to develop cross-border tourism products that benefit the ASEAN region as a whole, allowing tourists to explore multiple countries in one trip. This regional cooperation can help increase tourist arrivals, create synergies among neighboring countries, and foster a shared tourism identity across Southeast Asia.

A Collaborative Future for Cambodia’s Tourism

Cambodia’s hosting of the ASEAN Tourism Forum is an example of increasingly taking on a leading role in regional tourism cooperation. By working closely with ASEAN partners and other actors, Cambodia is positioning itself as a sustainable tourism leader in Southeast Asia. Its efforts to focus on rural tourism, community-based development, and eco-tourism are seriously contributing to the long-term growth of the sector, allowing major economic opportunities for the people and communities.

Having a clear vision for tourism growth and commitment to sustainable development, Cambodia continues to evolve in ASEAN’s tourism cooperation for economic prosperity, employment, and cross-cultural understanding in the region. The ASEAN Tourism Forum plays an important role for collaboration, ensuring that Cambodia remains at the top of global tourism growth and sustainability efforts along with its ASEAN neighbors.

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