Cambodia, ADB Deepen Partnership to Build Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure

PHNOM PENH, May 26, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are intensifying cooperation to expand sustainable tourism infrastructure and support long‑term growth in the Kingdom’s tourism sector, officials said Monday.

Tourism Minister Hout Hak met with a high‑level ADB delegation led by Lisa Wright, Alternate Executive Director for the region, for ministerial‑level talks on future projects. Senior representatives from several ministries also attended.

Hak praised ADB’s consistent support across successive administrations, stressing that the partnership has been vital in strengthening eco‑tourism, improving infrastructure, creating jobs and promoting resilient growth. “Our long‑standing cooperation has contributed to the successful implementation of key tourism projects,” he said.

Among the flagship initiatives cited was the international tourist port in Kampot province, inaugurated in April 2025, which is expected to boost regional connectivity and attract more international visitors.

The minister added that Cambodia has recently secured new ADB‑backed projects, including large‑scale programs to restore and upgrade infrastructure in major tourism destinations.

ADB remains one of Cambodia’s largest development partners. As of end‑2025, it had committed 359 public sector loans, grants and technical assistance projects worth US$5.5 billion.

In 2025 alone, it provided US$343 million in loans and grants and mobilized US$241 million in co‑financing for governance reforms, urban resilience, energy access and sustainable finance.

The government recognised the strengthened partnership aims to ensure Cambodia’s tourism sector develops sustainably while enhancing its competitiveness in the region.