Cambodia, World Bank to Partner on Tourism Development

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 2, 2025) — The Ministry of Tourism and the World Bank agreed Monday to work together to strengthen Cambodia’s tourism sector, with a focus on community-based and eco-tourism projects aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak met with Tania Meyer, the World Bank’s country manager in Cambodia, and her delegation at the ministry headquarters to discuss new areas of cooperation. Both sides emphasized tourism’s role as a priority sector for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Meyer thanked the Cambodian government for its coordination and support in past projects, noting that World Bank studies have shown tourism’s contribution to job creation and local business development. She said upcoming Bank initiatives will further support the sector and deepen partnership with the ministry.

Hak expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s continued assistance, highlighting its commitment to helping eco-tourism communities that deliver tangible benefits to citizens. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expanding cooperation with international partners to promote sustainable tourism and strengthen Cambodia’s position as a high-potential destination.

Cambodia welcomed 4.8 million international tourists in the first 10 months of 2025, according to Ministry of Tourism. Of these, 1 million visitors came from China, underscoring the country’s reliance on regional markets to drive growth. The Ministry of Tourism said arrivals have played a vital role in supporting national economic development, creating jobs, and boosting local businesses, aligning with Cambodia’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and high-income country by 2050.