Cambodia and Hiroshima University Expand Educational Tourism Growth Through Student Exchanges and Community Projects

Cambodia and Japan have entered an era of tourism cooperation through the development of university study tours into tourism products of value addition, which seek to foster cultural exchange and student mobility. The programme was announced through a meeting held between H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, and Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani, Project Leader and representative of Hiroshima University of Economics, Japan, accompanied by his team.

This meeting involved a discussion on the expansion of the collaboration between the tourism industry in Cambodia and Japan through the use of study tours in fostering local destinations, communities and people to people relationships. The collaboration seeks to integrate education and tourism, as well as community development through the provision of a travel experience whereby students can interact with the local community in Cambodia. Through the development of this programme, Cambodia expects to lure more Japanese visitors and facilitate youth exchanges.

Hiroshima University Supports Cambodia Through Long-Term Exchange Programmes

During the meeting, Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism recognised the continued contribution of Hiroshima University of Economics through its international exchange initiatives and community development activities. The university has supported Cambodia through the Cambodia International Exchange Program, focusing on education, health awareness, sanitation improvement and community-based activities. The programmes have supported communities in several Cambodian provinces, including:

• Baray District in Kampong Thom
• Siem Reap
• Battambang
• Prey Veng

These initiatives have contributed to stronger connections between Cambodian and Japanese youth while promoting mutual understanding between the two countries. The programmes also support human resource development by providing students with opportunities to learn about Cambodia’s communities, culture and development priorities. The cooperation demonstrates how educational exchanges can create wider tourism benefits by encouraging international visitors to explore destinations beyond traditional attractions.

Study Tours Create New Community-Based Tourism Experiences

The Ministry of Tourism aims to transform the university’s annual study visits into structured tourism products that deliver value to both visitors and local communities. Study tourism combines education with travel by allowing participants to experience local lifestyles, cultural heritage, community activities and destination development projects. Unlike traditional sightseeing, educational tourism focuses on deeper engagement with communities and creates opportunities for knowledge sharing.

For Cambodia, these programmes can help promote lesser-known destinations while generating direct benefits for local residents. Communities participating in such programmes can develop new tourism services, including cultural experiences, local hospitality, educational activities and community tours. This approach supports Cambodia’s goal of promoting sustainable tourism where economic benefits reach local people while preserving cultural identity and natural resources.

Cambodia Promotes Safe and Sustainable Tourism Growth to Japanese Market

During the meeting, Minister HUOT Hak highlighted Cambodia’s ongoing tourism development efforts and reaffirmed the country’s position as a safe and welcoming destination. Cambodia is currently implementing the “Visit Cambodia in Green Season” campaign, working with airlines, travel agencies, content creators and international media organisations to promote the country’s tourism potential. The campaign aims to attract more international visitors, including travellers from Japan, by showcasing Cambodia’s cultural heritage, natural attractions and unique experiences.

Japan remains an important tourism market for Cambodia, and stronger educational and cultural connections can contribute to increasing visitor flows. By promoting authentic experiences and community-based tourism products, Cambodia aims to encourage Japanese travellers to discover more destinations beyond the country’s most famous attractions.

Japan Shares Hiroshima’s Experience of Recovery and Resilience

Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani and the Hiroshima University delegation expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation with Cambodia through education, student exchanges and tourism-related programmes. The university plans to share Japan’s experiences, particularly the history of Hiroshima City’s post-World War II reconstruction, as a source of lessons on peace, resilience and social development. These themes provide opportunities for educational tourism experiences that connect history, culture and community learning.

Through exchange programmes, students can gain a deeper understanding of how societies rebuild, develop and create sustainable futures. The collaboration reflects the shared values of Cambodia and Japan in promoting youth participation, peace education and international understanding.

New MoU Could Expand Tourism Training and Knowledge Exchange

Minister HUOT Hak requested Hiroshima University of Economics prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism to strengthen and expand future cooperation. The proposed agreement could support wider collaboration in areas such as:

• Student exchange programmes
• Tourism education initiatives
• Short-term training courses
• Study tours
• Human resource development

Such cooperation would help improve tourism skills and knowledge among Cambodian officials, students and future tourism professionals. Tourism education plays an increasingly important role in strengthening destinations as the industry requires skilled workers with knowledge of sustainability, hospitality management and international tourism trends. The partnership with Hiroshima University could contribute to building stronger tourism capacity in Cambodia.

Digital Promotion Helps Attract More Japanese Visitors to Cambodia

The Cambodian Tourism Ministry also encouraged Hiroshima University to continue promoting Cambodia’s tourism potential through its official communication channels and media platforms. The goal is to provide accurate information about Cambodia’s safety, hospitality, attractions and visitor experiences to Japanese audiences.

Universities and educational institutions can play an important role in destination promotion because they connect with young travellers, researchers and international communities. By sharing Cambodia’s positive tourism image, these platforms can encourage more Japanese students, visitors and cultural travellers to explore the country. This approach supports Cambodia’s broader tourism marketing efforts by combining traditional promotion with education-based networks.

Hiroshima University’s Cambodia Engagement Continues After More Than a Decade

Hiroshima University of Economics has maintained international exchange activities in Cambodia since 2009, demonstrating a long-term commitment to cooperation between the two countries. The university has conducted more than 17 study visits to Cambodia, involving students in educational programmes, health initiatives, sanitation activities and community tourism projects. Through these experiences, students have gained practical knowledge while contributing to local communities.

The university has also published educational materials focused on peace and nation-building for Cambodian children. Additional educational books on peace and resilience are currently being prepared to support youth development and social awareness in Cambodia. These activities demonstrate the broader impact of international education partnerships beyond tourism alone.

Cambodia-Japan Partnership Builds Future of Educational and Sustainable Tourism

The collaboration between Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and the Hiroshima University of Economics demonstrates how the link between education, tourism, and community development is evolving. By turning their yearly study trips into well-structured tourism products, Cambodia will be able to generate more chances for their local destinations and develop international relations as well.

Today tourists look for something more than just sightseeing and educational tourism presents a good chance to link tourists and local communities as well as their culture. Collaboration with Japan helps to develop a tourism strategy that is based on knowledge transfer and international understanding.

Image Source: Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia