AKP Phnom Penh, June 19, 2026 --

Cambodian Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak called for a more people-centred and sustainable approach to tourism development, stressing that success in the sector should not be measured solely by visitor numbers but by the value created for communities and future generations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2026 in Yangon on Wednesday under the theme “Tourism for People, Travel with Purpose,” the Minister said tourism should be evaluated based on the benefits it delivers to local communities, opportunities created for youth and women, respect for culture, and protection of nature.

The forum was attended by H.E. Maung Myint, Minister of Hotels, Tourism and Culture of Myanmar; H.E. Aung Naing Thu, Chief Minister of Yangon Region; Ms. Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office; senior tourism officials from Greater Mekong Subregion countries, development partners, private sector representatives, and international experts.

In his special remarks, H.E. Huot Hak said the forum’s theme reflects the need to place people, communities, culture, and the environment at the centre of tourism development.

“Tourism must not be measured by visitor numbers alone; but must be measured by the value it creates for people, the dignity it gives to local communities, the opportunities it provides to youth and women, the respect it shows to culture, and the care it gives to nature,” he stated.

The Minister noted that the Greater Mekong Subregion possesses strong tourism potential, supported by rich cultural diversity and abundant natural resources that could be further developed into attractive regional tourism destinations.

He also highlighted the need for closer regional cooperation to address shared challenges, including climate change, increasing tourism competition, and human resource development, in order to ensure sustainable growth.

Drawing on Cambodia’s experience, H.E. Huot Hak outlined several priorities for regional tourism development, including promoting purposeful travel, strengthening connectivity, accelerating digital transformation, and building a greener and more resilient tourism sector.

On the sidelines of the forum, Cambodia also advanced regional tourism cooperation through the 5th Cambodia-Myanmar Joint Tourism Working Group Meeting, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism cooperation between Cambodia and Myanmar, and the launch of the joint tourism campaign “Two Countries, One Destination.”

These initiatives are expected to support tourism exchanges, strengthen people-to-people ties, and deepen friendship between the two countries.

During the event, the Minister also promoted Cambodia’s “Visit Cambodia in Green Season 2026” campaign and invited visitors from Myanmar and around the world to experience Cambodia’s natural attractions, UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural heritage, cuisine, and hospitality.

By C. Nika