Cambodia Mobilizes Public-Private Alliance to Shield Tourism From Global Cost Pressures

PHNOM PENH, April 3, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia is reinforcing its public-private partnership framework to protect the tourism sector from mounting global economic headwinds, officials said Thursday, as inflation and rising costs continue to squeeze travel and hospitality industries worldwide.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak, speaking at a high-level meeting of the Tourism Working Group (Group “B”) under the Government-Private Sector Forum, stressed that close coordination between the state and industry players was vital to sustain international arrivals and stimulate domestic travel.

“The spirit of unity between the Ministry of Tourism and the private sector will continue to drive urgent measures to maintain international tourist flows and promote domestic tourism,” Hak said.

The meeting drew around 150 participants, including senior officials, business leaders, tourism associations and development partners, and served as a platform to confront industry challenges and align on strategic responses.

Hak warned that escalating production and operational costs—driven largely by the global energy crisis—were fueling inflation and undermining demand and service delivery across the sector.

To cushion the impact, the government has introduced intervention measures to stabilize fuel prices and ease burdens on operators, including tax incentives, electricity subsidies and flexible fiscal policies. The ministry is also strengthening rapid-response mechanisms to deliver timely solutions to emerging shocks.

Hak underscored the need for shared responsibility, urging stakeholders to act under a unified national approach.

“Public and private actors must think together, act together, and share responsibility to preserve the resilience of Cambodia’s tourism sector,” he said, calling for patience and commitment during the current period of uncertainty.