PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation and regional connectivity through a trade and tourism exhibition in Phnom Penh, underscoring efforts to deepen bilateral relations and support Asean tourism recovery.
The Malaysia Travel and Shopping Fair 2026, held at Aeon Mall Phnom Penh, brought together tourism operators, airlines, medical tourism representatives and private sector partners from both countries.
The two-day May 23-24 event focused on enhancing collaboration in tourism promotion, air connectivity and cultural exchange, rather than simply promoting destinations in a one-way approach.
Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak attended the event. He explained that tourism remains a key pillar of national economic development, under the government’s long-term development policy.
He noted that Cambodia continues to record strong international tourism figures, with 5.4 million foreign visitors in 2025 and more than 1.5 million arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting sustained recovery momentum following global disruptions.
“Tourism is regarded as ‘green gold’ and a key driver of economic growth and local livelihoods,” he said.
Huot Hak added that Cambodia is strengthening regional cooperation, air connectivity, and joint promotional campaigns with Asean partners, including Malaysia, to further enhance tourism flows and industry resilience.
He also highlighted the “Visit Cambodia in Green Season” campaign, aimed at encouraging year-round tourism and showcasing the country’s natural and cultural attractions during the off-peak season, supported by special promotional packages under the “Must See, Must Stay, Must Taste, Must Visit, Must Try and Must Buy” framework.
Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn believed that the weekend fair reflected the depth of bilateral relations and the importance of people-to-people connectivity in sustaining long-term cooperation between the two countries.
He said tourism goes beyond economic value and plays a broader role in fostering mutual understanding between societies.
“Tourism connects our peoples and strengthens our relations,” he noted, adding that tourism helps build understanding through shared culture, food, hospitality, and history.
The ambassador explained that Malaysia continues to promote its multicultural identity, hospitality and tourism offerings while encouraging stronger two-way travel flows with Cambodia through improved connectivity and cooperation between industry stakeholders.
He also noted the participation of airlines, travel agencies, healthcare tourism representatives, banks and Malaysian product exhibitors at the event, reflecting the interconnected nature of tourism with aviation, finance, culture and medical travel services.
Pot Rany, the Malaysian Tourism Director in Cambodia, said the annual event was designed to attract more visitors to Malaysia, promote new destinations and highlight the country’s healthcare tourism offerings.
The fair was supported by Cambodia’s tourism ministry, airlines, travel companies, banks and a range of other partners.
Officials noted that tourism is increasingly being used as a form of diplomacy, helping to reinforce nearly 70 years of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Malaysia, built on mutual respect and long-standing friendship. - The Phnom Penh/ANN
