AKP Phnom Penh, November 14, 2025 -- Cambodia and Saudi Arabia have committed to a significant expansion of their tourism partnership, with plans to establish direct flights and launch joint marketing campaigns, following high-level talks in Riyadh.

The commitment was made during a recent bilateral meeting between Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Huot Hak, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, on the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly.

In a move to solidify the growing sectoral relationship, both ministers agreed to accelerate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation. 

Key initiatives outlined in the discussions include: Conducting feasibility studies for establishing direct flight routes between Riyadh and Phnom Penh to facilitate easier travel; Organising collaborative tourism roadshows and promotional events in key markets to highlight the unique attractions of both nations; Arranging familiarisation trips (FAM trips) for tour operators and travel media from each country to foster deeper industry links and product knowledge.

Minister Huot Hak expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended to the Cambodian delegation by their Saudi hosts. He also commended the Saudi government on its successful hosting of the UN Tourism assembly.

Further cementing the diplomatic engagement, Minister Huot Hak formally invited Minister Al-Khateeb to pay an official visit to Cambodia at a mutually convenient time.

By K. Rithy Reak