Cambodia Targets Global Growth: Hosting the 2026 Muslim Tourism Forum to Build an Inclusive Travel Future

Written By: Poulomi Sinha

Poulomi Sinha

I am a passionate travel writer and digital content creator dedicated to bringing the past vividly to life for modern explorers. I specialize in cultural tourism and historical storytelling, creating engaging, well-researched content that blends education with compelling narratives. My deep fascination with history and heritage preservation has led me to actively participate in heritage workshops, where I have gained hands-on experience in architectural conservation and community-led cultural initiatives. As a writer for a prominent online travel magazine, I transform destinations into immersive stories, uncovering the hidden histories behind ancient landmarks and heritage sites while inspiring readers to explore their rich cultural significance.

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June 30, 2026 16:41 GMT+5:30

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The travel and tourism industry is experiencing a fundamental change, with new types of travellers and a renewed focus on personalised, inclusive travel experiences. Acknowledging this massive change, Cambodia is actively changing its tourism framework to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding global Muslim travel market. The strategic initiative will be showcased at the Muslim Tourism Forum and Exhibition 2026, scheduled for July 10 to 12 at the OCIC Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district.

A Strategic Vision for Inclusive Growth

The upcoming forum is being held under the theme “A Land of Freshness and a Home of Confidence for Travel”. Through this event, it is intended that Cambodia’s reputation as a safe, hospitable, and inclusive destination will be significantly enhanced. Extensive efforts are being directed toward the development of Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure, which is deemed essential for attracting travelers who prioritize specific amenities, such as halal-certified culinary options, prayer facilities, and family-orientated hospitality standards.

The necessity of this pivot is supported by recent data. According to findings from the Global Muslim Travel Index, an estimated 176 million Muslim tourists were recorded worldwide in 2024, a figure that not only surpassed previous annual records but also exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Within the Cambodian context, the importance of this demographic is reflected in the steady upward trend of visitor numbers. It has been reported that the volume of Muslim tourists visiting the Kingdom rose from over 180,000 in 2022 to approximately 440,000 by the end of 2024. These figures have provided the necessary impetus for the government to view the Muslim travel segment as a pillar of the nation’s post-pandemic recovery strategy.

Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration

A comprehensive discussion forum is to be organized on the opening day, July 10. During this session, a diverse assembly of government officials, tourism experts, prominent leaders from the local Muslim community, and representatives from the private sector will be brought together to deliberate on the future of the industry. The primary focus of these discussions will be placed on the creation of a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism ecosystem.

Crucial themes, such as the implementation of digital transformation and the adoption of innovative technological solutions, are to be integrated into the agenda. It is recognized that modern travelers expect seamless, tech-enabled experiences, and as such, the digitalization of tourism services is being prioritized. By aligning national policies with international best practices, the foundation is being laid for a more robust tourism industry that is better equipped to handle future market fluctuations. Recommendations derived from these sessions are expected to influence policy direction, ensuring that Cambodia’s tourism products remain competitive and relevant.

The Muslim-Friendly Tourism Fair: A Showcase of Innovation

Running concurrently with the forum, a specialized Muslim-Friendly Tourism Fair will be hosted. This exhibition space will be utilized by tour operators, travel entrepreneurs, and various hospitality institutions to showcase services tailored specifically to the needs and preferences of Muslim travelers. From boutique tour packages to customized hospitality offerings, the fair is intended to serve as a hub where innovative business concepts are introduced and refined.

Engagement with the event is being strongly encouraged by the Ministry of Tourism. A call for participation has been extended to regional tourism associations, public and private entities, and independent Muslim entrepreneurs. By facilitating these connections, it is hoped that a more comprehensive network will be developed, allowing for a better flow of information between service providers and international markets. The exhibition is expected to function as a catalyst for new partnerships, which will, in turn, facilitate the diversification of tourism products available across the country.

Building Long-Term Market Confidence

Beyond the immediate goal of increasing visitor numbers, the initiative is centered on the concept of “confidence”. For a destination to be considered “Muslim-friendly”, trust must be established through consistent, high-quality service delivery. By investing in the training of hospitality staff and the certification of tourism products, Cambodia is working to ensure that Muslim travelers feel both welcomed and supported throughout their stay.

Furthermore, the promotion of cultural exchange is viewed as a vital component of the ministry’s mission. The event is expected to provide a platform where cultural nuances are better understood, allowing for a more harmonious interaction between local hosts and international guests. It is envisioned that by fostering this mutual understanding, the overall quality of the visitor experience will be elevated, thereby encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth promotion.

Navigating the Future of Tourism

Looking forward to the rest of the decade, attention to the Muslim travel market will remain an important theme for Cambodia. The ministry’s attention to this segment is indicative of a broader realisation that the future of the industry rests on specialisation and inclusivity. The Kingdom is meeting the challenges of the modern travel environment – the need for resilience and digital agility – to become a preferred destination in the global tourism marketplace.

For more information about registering exhibitors and prospective attendees, visit the official website of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia. The country should succeed with sustained investment and the strategic implementation of these forum-led initiatives