Cambodia and France Strengthen Tourism Cooperation to Boost Travel and Investment, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 5, 2025

Cambodia and France have pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation mechanisms in the development of tourism and professional training. The commitment was made during a fruitful meeting between Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and French Ambassador to Cambodia Oliver Richard held at the French Embassy in Phnom Penh. It was geared toward consolidating relations between the two countries and finding a way to uplift the Cambodian tourism industry to international standards.

Key Discussions at the French Embassy

The meeting held at the French Embassy was an opportunity for both Cambodia and France to explore avenues for greater collaboration in the tourism sector. Minister Huot Hak and Ambassador Richard reaffirmed their dedication to supporting Cambodia’s tourism growth, particularly focusing on the training of human resources in line with global best practices. This commitment is part of a broader initiative to ensure that Cambodia’s tourism workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to meet international standards and attract a larger number of global visitors.

The discussions also emphasized the importance of tourism as a driver of economic development, as well as a key area of cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Richard highlighted that various French-led projects have already contributed significantly to Cambodia’s tourism development, particularly in areas such as hospitality and tourism infrastructure. France has long been a proponent of strengthening Cambodia’s tourism capabilities through knowledge-sharing, and the ambassador confirmed that the French government would continue to provide support for Cambodia’s efforts to create a competitive and sustainable tourism sector.

France’s Role in Enhancing Cambodia’s Tourism Expertise

Minister Huot Hak expressed his appreciation for the long-standing support that France has provided to Cambodia in the tourism sector. He recognized the French embassy’s role in not only promoting Cambodia’s tourism potential but also in making Cambodia an attractive destination for French investors. By providing accurate and detailed information about Cambodia’s political stability, peaceful environment, and security, the embassy has played a vital role in boosting investor confidence and increasing French tourist arrivals to Cambodia.

Ambassador Richard emphasized that tourism and hospitality are areas where France’s expertise is globally recognized. The sharing of this expertise, particularly in the fields of hospitality management and tourism operations, will help Cambodia further develop its tourism infrastructure and enhance its competitive edge in the international market. As one of Cambodia’s top ten tourism markets, France’s active involvement in these sectors is a testament to the success of the ongoing collaboration.

Fostering More French Tourists in Cambodia

One of the primary outcomes of the meeting was the shared recognition of the growing number of French tourists visiting Cambodia. Minister Huot Hak noted that France has become one of Cambodia’s top ten tourism markets, thanks to consistent cooperation and the efforts of both the French embassy and Cambodian tourism stakeholders. The continued support from France in promoting Cambodia’s tourism offerings is expected to lead to an even greater influx of French visitors, further solidifying the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

The Ministry of Tourism also highlighted the importance of building long-term relationships that not only focus on tourist arrivals but also foster increased investment in Cambodia’s tourism sector. The French are known for their strong cultural appreciation of history, art, and architecture, making Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, such as Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, especially attractive to French visitors.

The Francophone Village: Showcasing Cambodia’s Tourism and Investment Potential

A major highlight of the meeting was the announcement of plans to create a vibrant Francophone Village that will be showcased during the 20th Francophonie Summit, which will take place in Cambodia in 2026. This initiative aims to highlight Cambodia’s tourism and investment potential to high-ranking delegates and participants from around the world. The Francophone Village will serve as a cultural and informational hub where visitors can explore Cambodia’s unique offerings and learn more about the country’s potential for investment, cultural exchange, and tourism development.

The Francophone Village is set to be an exciting opportunity for Cambodia to present itself on the global stage, particularly to the diplomatic and business communities. The creation of this village will allow Cambodia to showcase not only its rich cultural heritage but also its growing tourism sector and the investments it has made in infrastructure and sustainable tourism development.

Enhancing Bilateral Ties Through Tourism and Training

Both Cambodia and France recognize that tourism is not only an economic driver but also a means of fostering deeper cultural understanding and cooperation between nations. The continued growth of tourism between the two countries is expected to have a positive impact on Cambodia’s global standing as a prime tourist destination.

The collaboration between Cambodia and France will also extend to professional training, with an emphasis on creating a skilled workforce capable of supporting the sustainable growth of Cambodia’s tourism industry. This will involve joint training programs, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for Cambodian professionals to gain hands-on experience in France’s world-renowned tourism and hospitality sectors.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Tourism Sector

This will enable the Cambodian government to enhance tourism infrastructure, draw more French and international visitors, and help the tourism sector to be more sustainable and competitive. The continuing partnership also promises the creation of more jobs and the improvement of the local economy, as well as cultural exchange between the two nations.

As Cambodia is developing into one of the prime travel destinations in the world, international partners like France will continue to play a key role in the sustainable development of its tourism sector, coupled with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.