Cambodia, Vietnam agree action plan to boost tourism connectivity and visitor flows

HANOI, June 9, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and Vietnam have agreed on a joint action plan to strengthen tourism connectivity and increase visitor flows, with ministers stressing that coordinated promotion and transport links are vital to attracting more international tourists.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak and Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh reached the agreement during bilateral talks in Hanoi on the sidelines of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit. Both sides said implementing the 2023 tourism cooperation memorandum was central to deepening ties.

Hak expressed confidence that tourism collaboration would continue to expand, while Lam Thi Phuong Thanh said closer coordination would help both countries capture new markets and diversify offerings.

Key outcomes included commitments to improve land, air and water transport links. Particular emphasis was placed on maritime connections between Phu Quoc International Port and Kampot, and expanding Mekong River cruise tourism linking Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with possible extensions to Laos.

The ministers also endorsed joint tourism events in border provinces, including investment forums, cultural festivals and sports tourism activities. They agreed to encourage private‑sector operators to develop combined tour packages and expand cooperation in training exchanges for tourism and hospitality institutions.

Cambodia welcomed 5.57 million international tourists in 2025, down 16.9 percent from 2024, though revenues rose 3 percent to $3.7 billion.