ASEAN Secretary-General Pledges Stronger Support for Cambodia’s Tourism Growth

• Sommana Yan
• 30 September 2025
• Local News
• 1045 Views

In a significant boost for Cambodia’s tourism sector, ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Kao Kim Hourn has endorsed a proposal from the Ministry of Tourism, outlining five strategic initiatives to enhance tourism quality across the region. The announcement followed a meeting with H.E. Huot Hak, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, in Malaysia.

Both leaders highlighted Cambodia’s growing role in advancing ASEAN tourism and praised progress in sustainable tourism development. They stressed the importance of strengthening workforce capacity and raising service standards to ensure the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

Minister Huot Hak emphasized that peace, political stability, security, and order remain essential foundations for growth in all sectors — particularly tourism, which he described as a “vital pillar of Cambodia’s national economy.”

Responding to Cambodia’s call for closer cooperation, the ASEAN Secretariat committed to supporting several key initiatives. These include developing ASEAN guidelines on digital literacy in tourism, promoting green tourism businesses, establishing an ASEAN Green Tourism Fund, and implementing hygiene and safety standards. The Secretariat also pledged to expand collaboration with ASEAN partners to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

Recent figures reflect the sector’s strong momentum: Cambodia welcomed over 4 million international visitors and 17.28 million domestic tourists in 2025, underscoring its potential as a leading destination in the region. (Read more)

• Tourism and Travelling