UNESCO Pledges Deeper Cooperation to Boost Cambodia’s Cultural and Heritage Tourism

PHNOM PENH, Feb 25, 2026 (KPT) — UNESCO has reaffirmed its commitment to deepen cooperation with Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, pledging continued support for cultural and heritage tourism as part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in the organization, officials said Tuesday.

Flavio Bonetti, UNESCO’s representative in Cambodia, met Tourism Minister Huot Hak at the ministry headquarters to discuss strengthening collaboration. Bonetti underscored UNESCO’s role in preserving and promoting Cambodia’s cultural and natural heritage, highlighting their importance as tourism assets.

Talks also covered UNESCO’s technical assistance to Cambodia’s bid for inclusion in the Creative Cities Network, citing Battambang’s success as a Creative City of Gastronomy and exploring potential support for Kampot, Kratie and Ratanakiri. The two sides discussed management of World Heritage Sites including Angkor Wat, Sambo Prey Kuk and Preah Vihear, with emphasis on safeguarding their universal value.

Minister Hak welcomed UNESCO’s initiatives, praising their contribution to sustainable tourism development and international promotion of Cambodia’s destinations. He requested further technical support, particularly for conservation and development at Preah Vihear, and urged UNESCO to place tourism prominently in Cambodia’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

Cambodia joined UNESCO in 1951. The anniversary also marks 35 years since the reopening of UNESCO’s office in Phnom Penh in 1991.