Cambodia is increasing its efforts to enhance tourism, which contributes 13% to its GDP. At the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, Eddy Krismeidi, president of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), met with Cambodia’s tourism minister, Hout Hak, to discuss regional collaboration for further growth.
Minister Hout Hak outlined Cambodia’s tourism potential and called for ASEANTA’s support in promoting the sector, encouraging private investment, sharing data, and developing new tour packages. In response, Krismeidi expressed ASEANTA’s readiness to collaborate, highlighting initiatives such as:
Pilot activities for the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP) platform to promote ASEAN tourism professionals.
The ASEAN Travel Exchange to connect tourism stakeholders.
The ASEANTA Board Meeting in Phnom Penh in March 2025 to discuss further partnerships.
“This meeting reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing the ASEAN tourism agenda. Cambodia’s dynamic tourism sector presents tremendous opportunities for partnership, and ASEANTA is ready to contribute to its continued success through meaningful initiatives,” said Krismeidi.
Both parties expressed optimism about the future of Cambodia’s tourism and the broader ASEAN region, with a focus on enhancing connectivity, professional development, and sustainable practices.