Cambodia and Xizang Strengthen its Tourism Ties to Boost New Economic Growth Through Business Forums, Direct Flights and Sustainable Development

Published on November 29, 2025

Minister Huot Hak of Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism met with Jian Can, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region, to explore ways to deepen tourism cooperation between the two regions. The Thursday meeting took place at Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and intended to further consolidate the bilateral ties and tourism collaborations that would contribute toward economic development, cultural exchange, and tourist arrivals.

Jian spoke of the tremendous progress Xizang has made in tourism over the 60 years under the guidance of President Xi Jinping. The region has emerged to become a hot spot for both domestic and international tourists, with over 50 million visitors crossing into the region every year. With the promotion of sustainable tourism in natural, cultural, and religious sectors, Xizang has managed to build an industry that accelerates economic development while preserving the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the region.

Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Growth

The tourism sector’s role in economic development was a key theme during the discussions. Both ministers agreed on the transformative potential of tourism in promoting economic prosperity, not just in the tourism sector itself, but across other industries as well. In Xizang, tourism has generated employment opportunities, contributed to poverty alleviation, and provided a reliable source of income for local communities. By attracting visitors to heritage sites, natural wonders, and religious landmarks, tourism has directly supported the region’s local businesses, hospitality sector, and service industries.

Similarly, Cambodia’s tourism industry has become a major driver of the national economy, contributing to both GDP growth and employment. By showcasing its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and the recent tourism development initiatives, Cambodia aims to create more job opportunities and increase income from tourism revenues, which have been steadily growing year over year.

Strengthening Tourism Connectivity

A major point of discussion was the potential for improving tourism connectivity between Cambodia and Xizang, an initiative that could have far-reaching effects on regional tourism growth. Minister Hak proposed the establishment of direct flights between Phnom Penh and key tourism hubs like Siem Reap and Lhasa, enhancing travel convenience and stimulating tourism exchange. These new flight connections would not only encourage tourists from Xizang to explore Cambodia’s historic Angkor Wat or beach destinations but also create a seamless travel route for Cambodian tourists visiting Xizang’s cultural and natural attractions.

Improved air connectivity would also foster greater business opportunities in the tourism sector, promoting collaboration between travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators. The convenience of direct flights would likely result in an increase in tourist numbers and a rise in tourism-related spending, boosting the local economies of both regions.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism Development

Sustainability was another key area discussed at the meeting. Both sides expressed the importance of eco-tourism and sustainable tourism development as essential components of their tourism strategies. Xizang, with its rich natural and cultural heritage, has made strides in creating eco-friendly tourism experiences, including guided cultural tours, eco-lodges, and wildlife conservation programs. These initiatives help preserve the region’s pristine environments while providing educational experiences for tourists.

Similarly, Cambodia has been making efforts to develop sustainable tourism practices, focusing on responsible travel that minimizes environmental impact. The country is increasing its focus on eco-friendly resorts, community-based tourism, and heritage site preservation, aiming to create long-term benefits for local communities while ensuring that its tourism sector is both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Cultural Exchange and Tourism Investment Opportunities

Minister Huot Hak and Jian agreed on the importance of cultural exchange and shared knowledge in enhancing the tourism sectors of both regions. Minister Hak also proposed the organization of tourism business forums and study visits, which would allow Cambodian and Xizang-based investors, tour operators, and tourism professionals to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment.

In particular, Cambodia is keen on leveraging the expertise of Xizang’s tourism development to refine its own tourism strategy, exploring new ways to market its diverse attractions. These exchanges can foster greater mutual understanding, promote tourism investment, and open up new markets for both countries.

Preparing for a Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation

To formalize their mutual commitments, both parties agreed to explore the preparation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism Cooperation. This agreement will lay the foundation for long-term collaboration in various areas, including tourism promotion, investment, cultural exchange, and capacity building. The MoU is expected to be signed during Minister Hak’s official visit to Xizang in early 2026, solidifying the strategic tourism partnership between Cambodia and Xizang.

The Impact of Tourism Cooperation on Local Economies

Both ministers recognized that deepening their tourism ties would not only benefit their respective tourism sectors but would also have a broader impact on local economies. By attracting more international visitors and improving cross-border tourism exchange, Cambodia and Xizang can stimulate job creation in hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and cultural services, creating a ripple effect that boosts local businesses and enhances the overall economic health of both regions.

Tourism has proven to be an economic engine for both Cambodia and Xizang, and by strengthening their ties, the two regions are poised to see a greater flow of visitors, increased tourism-related revenues, and stronger partnerships across the travel industry.

A New Era of Tourism Collaboration

The meeting between Cambodia and Xizang thus opens a promising new chapter in tourism cooperation between the two sides. Both parties are laying the ground for a mutual benefit relationship that will nurture long-term economic growth through the focus on selected priority areas, namely trade and investment, tourism business forums, and cultural exchange. This collaborative effort will be further concretized through the signing of the MoU on Tourism Cooperation in 2026, adding to the upgrade of the tourism profile of both countries for regional economic development.

With experiences and best practices in tourism continuing to be shared between Cambodia and Xizang, this partnership is expected to yield valuable insights into the wider Southeast Asian and Central Asian tourism sectors, with increased international cooperation for sustainable tourism development throughout the region.