Cambodia Partners with Asia Foundation to Strengthen Data‑Driven Tourism Development

PHNOM PENH, June 24, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and The Asia Foundation have agreed to deepen cooperation on research and data initiatives to support evidence‑based policymaking and the sustainable growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector, officials said Tuesday.

The commitment was reaffirmed during talks between Tourism Minister Huot Hak and Meloney C. Lindberg, the Foundation’s country representative in Cambodia, who reviewed ongoing cooperation and the implementation of the Cambodia International Visitors’ Survey (CIVS).

Lindberg highlighted the Foundation’s longstanding partnership with the ministry, particularly in research, capacity building and sustainable tourism. She presented updates on the CIVS project, which uses digital surveys to capture data on visitor experiences, spending patterns, preferred activities and travel behaviors.

According to The Asia Foundation, the information will help the ministry and stakeholders monitor market trends, identify popular tourism products and design policies more responsive to visitor expectations. Both sides agreed reliable data is essential for effective tourism planning and decision‑making.

The initiative will strengthen Cambodia’s tourism competitiveness, advance sustainable development goals and provide policymakers with tools to better align strategies with visitor demand.

Hak welcomed the Foundation’s continued support, describing it as an important partner in promoting Cambodia’s cultural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites. He instructed technical teams to work closely with the Foundation to ensure the survey’s successful rollout.