Cambodia and Xizang Autonomous Region Explore Robust Tourism Cooperation with Focus on Sustainable Development and Investment Opportunities

Published on November 29, 2025

A high-level delegation from China’s Xizang Autonomous Region was recently hosted at the Ministry’s office by Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, in an important step to strengthen tourism ties. The delegation met with Minister Hak to discuss ways to improve tourism cooperation between the two regions. Jian Can, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region, led the delegation.

With a focus on sustainable growth and investment opportunities, this partnership is the start of what looks to be a successful collaboration centered on exchanging best practices in tourism development. Both Cambodia and Xizang expressed optimism about the future of their cooperation, and the meeting is regarded as a turning point in strengthening their relationship.

Xizang’s Tourism Success: A Model for Sustainable Growth

Jian Can’s delegation took the opportunity to highlight the impressive progress made by the Xizang Autonomous Region over the last 60 years. The region, under the strategic vision of President Xi Jinping, has undergone profound transformations, not only in terms of economic growth but also in improving the living standards of its Zang minority communities. Xizang’s approach to tourism development has been deeply rooted in its cultural, natural, and religious heritage, which has allowed the region to establish a sustainable tourism model that attracts millions of visitors annually.

More than 50 million domestic and international tourists visit Xizang each year, drawn by its rich cultural history, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual significance. The region’s tourism industry is seen as a key driver of its economic development, contributing to poverty alleviation and community well-being. This success story is one that Cambodia seeks to emulate, with a focus on both cultural preservation and sustainable tourism practices that can benefit local communities.

Cambodia’s Tourism Potential: A Focus on Peace, Stability, and Growth

In response to the delegation’s visit, Minister Huot Hak expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage with Xizang’s leadership. He acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the Xizang Autonomous Region in developing a world-class tourism sector and underscored the importance of such exchanges in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The Minister emphasized Cambodia’s current state of peace, political stability, and security—key factors that make the country an attractive destination for international tourists and investors alike. Cambodia, with its rich cultural heritage and rapidly improving infrastructure, offers vast tourism potential, and Minister Hak highlighted the need to share these advantages with the global community.

Cambodia has long been known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Angkor Wat, as well as its pristine beaches and vibrant cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. However, the country’s growing appeal lies not only in its historical landmarks but also in its modern-day development, which has seen significant improvements in infrastructure, security, and political governance.

Strengthening Bilateral Tourism Relations: Direct Flights and Business Forums

One of the key points of discussion during the meeting was the potential for direct air connectivity between Cambodia and the Xizang Autonomous Region. Minister Hak proposed exploring the feasibility of establishing direct flights from Phnom Penh to key tourism destinations like Siem Reap, which would make Cambodia more accessible to Chinese tourists and boost tourism-related business opportunities. Such a move would enhance the convenience for travelers and pave the way for stronger cross-border tourism links.

Furthermore, the Minister suggested organizing tourism business forums that would bring together tourism professionals, investors, and government representatives from both regions. These forums could provide a platform to explore new opportunities for investment in Cambodia’s growing tourism sector, particularly in areas like sustainable tourism, hospitality, and ecotourism. Such events would also facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two regions, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes.

In addition to direct flights and business forums, Minister Hak expressed interest in organizing study visits to the Xizang Autonomous Region. These visits would allow Cambodian tourism officials and stakeholders to gain firsthand insights into Xizang’s tourism practices and learn from its success in integrating sustainability into its tourism policies.

A Future Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation

A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement between both parties to explore the preparation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation. This MoU, expected to be finalised during Minister Hak’s official working visit to Xizang in early 2026, would outline the key areas of collaboration between the two regions, including the promotion of tourism, sustainable development, and investment in infrastructure.

Both Cambodia and Xizang have expressed a shared interest in creating a framework that supports long-term growth in the tourism sector, benefiting not only the tourism industries in both regions but also local communities. The MoU will serve as a cornerstone for fostering deeper ties and ensuring that the tourism cooperation is sustained and impactful.

A Vision for the Future

Both Cambodia and the Xizang Autonomous Region are clearly committed to exploring new opportunities that will benefit both parties as they begin this new chapter of tourism cooperation. The MoU, business forums, and direct flights are just the first steps in a larger plan to improve tourism ties between the two areas. The future of their collaboration appears bright, with Xizang’s sustainable development strategies acting as a model and Cambodia’s tourism industry growing.

This partnership is a major advancement in Cambodia’s continuous efforts to solidify its standing as a top travel destination worldwide. The two regions will surely lay the groundwork for a new era of tourism cooperation that will benefit both tourists and investors as they collaborate to improve tourism infrastructure, foster cultural exchange, and draw investment.