Cambodia

Following a diplomatic meeting on 6 Aug between Cambodian Minister of Tourism and the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Luxembourg, Luxembourg reinforced its commitment to bolstering Cambodia’s hospitality sector through advanced vocational training and human resource development. Under the Cambodia-Luxembourg Indicative Cooperation Programme, Luxembourg will leverage its hospitality expertise to raise service standards and support the Ministry’s Vocational School of Tourism (VST). The Cambodian Minister encouraged the embassy to foster foreign investment and facilitate fam trips for European travel operators and media

At a Progress Review Meeting of the Tourism Working Group chaired by the Tourism Minister, roughly 150 public and private sector representatives convened to address H1 2026 declines in international tourist arrivals linked to tech-scam publicity, border tensions with Thailand, and fuel price spikes from Middle East conflicts. The government confirmed 22 intervention measures have been fully implemented, including developing Phnom Kulen as a nature-based destination and establishing a joint agricultural Green Belt, while evaluating 11 private-sector requests such as target-market visa exemptions, a dedicated tourism promotion fund, improved domestic and direct international air connectivity, and upgrading national events to international status. The meeting agreed to focus on restoring Cambodia’s global reputation, boosting targeted marketing, hosting major international events, and driving domestic travel

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and ACLEDA Bank Plc have signed an MoU to integrate ACLEDA's e-Payment platform for collecting public service fees. The partnership builds on discussions from Mar 2025 to enable faster, more transparent transactions for investors, operators, and tourists. The Minister encouraged the bank to support upcoming major international events, including the Francophonie Summit and Francophonie Village

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) and Phare Ponleu Selpak have signed an MoU to co-promote the 13th Tini Tinou International Circus Festival, leveraging CTB grant funding to strengthen global marketing and position Cambodia as a contemporary arts hub. The festival is scheduled for 17-19 Nov 2026 in Siem Reap and 21-24 Nov 2026 in Battambang, featuring over 100 international artists from more than 10 countries

On 3 Aug, the Tourism Minister met with the Bangkok-based Belgian Ambassador to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation and coordinate for the 20th Francophonie Summit. The Minister proposed a formal tourism MoU, fam trips for media and tour operators, an investment forum, and direct business-to-business partnerships to build on steady Belgian visitor and investment numbers. The Ambassador confirmed Belgium will send a high-level delegation to the Nov summit and participate in the Ministry of Tourism's "Village Francophonie" side event

According to the Immigration Department Director, since the implementation of Cambodia's visa-free policy on 15 Jun, over 100,000 Chinese citizens have entered the country, with around 44,500 (around 45%) arriving specifically for tourism. He noted that the remaining 55% entered using other visa categories

The Ministry of Interior officially opened a new passport branch service centre at Diamond Plaza KPS in Sihanoukville city, Preah Sihanouk province. The ministry is planning further regional expansion starting with a new centre in Battambang

The Ministry of Commerce announced updated retail fuel prices effective for 1 week from 1pm on 4 Aug, fixing regular gasoline (Gasoline 92) at 4,450 riels per litre and diesel (Gasoil 10ppm) at 5,200 riels per litre

On 3 Aug, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee (Committee 5) of the Cambodian National Assembly met with Singapore's Ambassador to Cambodia. Discussions focused on boosting cooperation in key priority areas, specifically tourism, the digital economy, energy, and food security, to foster mutual progress and regional prosperity

The Ministry of Tourism has rescheduled the “Green Season Tourism Event 2026” to run from 7-9 Aug at Techo-Thipadei Square in Stung Treng. The programme features an opening ceremony on 7 Aug, an exhibition of local food, wild fruits, community products, and an ecotourism discussion forum on 8 Aug, and concludes on 9 Aug with a public fun run themed “Run for Mekong River Dolphins” alongside the closing ceremony. The event aims to highlight northeastern Cambodia's tourism potential from May-Oct, create direct local employment, and distribute domestic and international visitors evenly throughout the year

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) signed an MoU in Siem Reap on 1 Aug. The agreement aims to reduce economic leakage by integrating local agricultural supply chains with major tourism destinations, establishing a mutually beneficial model that boosts farmers' incomes while providing reliable local food supplies. The initiative focuses on 4 strategic priorities, including strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation, improving supply and demand information sharing, promoting local agricultural products across tourism businesses, and expanding agro-tourism and eco-tourism areas under MAFF management

In H1 2026, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) executed a four-channel global marketing strategy targeting consumers (B2C), trade partners (B2B), distribution channels (B2B2C), and foreign peer institutions (B2G). Key initiatives included launching 3 new programmes, including the "500 Agent FAM Trip" scheme (confirming 145 international agents), an Event Matching Grant to co-fund local events, and Film Location Scouting support, alongside hosting around 10 international media outlets and 20 Australian and Indian content creators. Additionally, CTB engaged in 17 international trade shows and 6 sales missions, formed joint marketing partnerships with major airlines, and established institutional links with the Sanya and Singapore Tourism Boards. CTB cautions that the impact of these measures will only be measurable in the medium term, as travel trade partners require time to market packages and travellers typically plan 3-9 months ahead

The U.S. State Department is making its visa bond program permanent for B1 and B2 business and tourism visas from 3 Aug, allowing consular officers to require applicants from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa, Cambodia, and seven other Asian nations, to post bonds of up to $20,000 USD to curb visa overstays. The final rule eliminates the previous $5,000 USD minimum option and raises the maximum bond cap from $15,000 USD. The policy has drawn criticism from immigration and rights advocates who argue it deters legitimate travel, violates free speech and due process, and risks racial profiling

From Jan-Jul 2026, the Angkor Archaeological Park generated $20.3 million USD from ticket sales, -29% YoY. International tourist arrivals fell 30.7% YoY to 428,223 visitors during this period. In Jul only, foreign arrivals dropped 21% YoY to 40,451, whilst monthly ticket revenue fell 20% to $1.85 million USD

Miraku Capital & Development Co., Ltd. has broken ground on the G.A.T.O Tower, a 67-storey luxury mixed-use development designed by Japanese architect Shin Takamatsu in Phnom Penh’s Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) district. The project features premium condominiums, a luxury hotel, penthouses on floors 63 to 66, and a sky bar. The project launched sales from its gallery on Norodom Boulevard

The 11th Angkor Empire Marathon 2026 drew a record 6,500 runners (+25% YoY) to Siem Reap, featuring 5,450 local participants and 1,050 international athletes from 51 countries, led by large delegations from China, Japan, and the U.K.. Runners traversed a scenic route through Angkor Archaeological Park past 40 ancient temples, providing a welcome boost to local tourism during the green season and earning the event a spot on Forbes Travel Guide's list of 12 marathons worth travelling for in 2026

Cambodia’s “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign encourages both domestic and international visitors to plant a tree during their stay. The initiative was officially highlighted on 1 Aug following an MoU signed between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to foster green belts and enhance agricultural efficiency

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rebutted claims made by an UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, following his Jul 2026 visit to the region. Responding to the Rapporteur's statement that 650,000 Cambodians were displaced by fighting, with over 20,000 unable to return due to Thai troop presence, Thailand clarified that the conflict originated from Cambodian attacks on Thai civilians and noted that the displacement figures incorrectly include Cambodians residing in Thai shelters since the late 1970s. Thailand also rejected claims that 900,000 Cambodian migrant workers were expelled, asserting that those who left did so voluntarily following appeals from Phnom Penh

The Tourism Minister held talks with the Chief of International Operations at K-1, the President of the Kun Khmer Boxing Federation, and the President of Kombat Global, to discuss hosting international combat sports events in Cambodia. The initiative aims to attract foreign athletes and spectators while diversifying the nation's tourism market. The Ministry of Tourism intends to leverage these world-class competitions as a global platform to promote Cambodia's cultural heritage and showcase its traditional martial art, Kun Khmer

Cambodia is strengthening travel connectivity between Siem Reap-Angkor and other provinces to extend visitor stays and distribute tourism spending nationwide through multi-destination packages, joint marketing, and regional development clusters covering northern, coastal, and northeastern regions. The Ministry of Tourism launched the pilot 2026 Siem Reap Tourism Service Mega Sale, offering 10%-50% discounts on hotels, spas, and travel products under the "Visit Cambodia Green Season 2026" campaign. Officials have instructed provincial authorities and private businesses to expand event programming and introduce updated multi-day tour packages ahead of major international gatherings, including the Nov 2026 Francophonie Summit

The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has expanded and upgraded a 45.5km section of National Road 7 in central Cambodia, widening it from 2 to 4 lanes using a preferential loan from the Chinese government. The toll-free road serves as part of ASEAN Highway 11 and connects Phnom Penh to the northeastern provinces of Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng, and Kratie. According to local vendors, drivers, and the Deputy Director of the China-ASEAN Studies Center at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, the modernisation has eliminated potholes, congestion, and flying dust while halving travel times from 1 hour to 30 minutes. The project has boosted local vendor sales, increased foreign tourism to sites like Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, lowered accident rates, improved cross-border logistics, and streamlined the transport of agricultural goods

The Preah Sihanouk Tourism Director urged local operators at the Tourism Business Forum 2026 (held 29-30 Jul in Sihanoukville) to improve service quality, staff training, and genuine Khmer hospitality, noting that only 50% of the province's 15,000 tourism workers are formally trained. The forum aimed to boost green-season travel, enhance air connectivity, improve safety, and expand the Chinese market through B2B meetings connecting 30 Cambodian tourism firms with over 20 Chinese travel companies. The provincial administration is upgrading infrastructure, including safety, sanitation, and beach services, organising eight to nine annual events, and prioritising environmental preservation, particularly on Koh Rong

Cambodia secured a $250 million USD ADB loan to support its Rapid Intervention for Stabilisation of the Economy (RISE) programme. The funding will safeguard 2026 social budget spending, advance clean energy, and fund fiscal relief. Target assistance, including income support, debt relief, and agricultural inputs, will reach over 1 million IDPoor-registered households, at least 350,000 of which are female-headed, helping offset rising living costs and employment pressures caused by Cambodia's total reliance on imported oil and gas

According to an UN Special Rapporteur, 20,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced along the Thai border following 2 rounds of fighting last year, with Thai troops occupying some local towns and villages. Closed border crossings have impacted local trade and Cambodia's economy. Despite authorities shutting down over 600 scam centres, revoking 29 casino licences, and facing criminal proceedings against around 3,000 operators, the rapporteur noted that the Cambodian government has yet to act against senior officials or influential figures linked to these illicit operations

Cambodia is reviewing its visa conditions for international visitors, with the PATA Cambodia Chapter President highlighting that per-entry visa fees act as a deterrent. The association is urging authorities to provide financial incentives to airlines to establish direct routes and boost flight frequencies with key hubs in China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is discussing a bilateral cross-border QR-code payment system with the Philippines to streamline retail transactions and encourage local currency usage in trade and tourism. The NBC is integrating international card networks, UnionPay, Alipay, and Weixin Pay into its network, enabling foreign visitors to scan KHQR codes using the Bakong Tourist application

The Ministry of Commerce, alongside the Cambodian Halal Product Inspection Committee (CHPIC), has launched a nationwide campaign to promote and facilitate registration for Cambodia Halal Product Technical Standard Certification. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of local goods and access global halal markets by promoting revised Prakas No. 070. Key reforms include shortening processing times from 90 to 60 working days, extending certificate validity to 2 years, allowing individual registrations, expanding certified product listings, and educating businesses on enforcement against non-certified logo misuse. The campaign runs from Jul-Dec 2026 across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot, Kep, and Preah Sihanouk, featuring dedicated booths offering guidance and on-site application assistance

The Ministry of Tourism has launched the pilot “2026 Siem Reap Tourism Service Mega Sale” starting 1 Aug to boost local travel during the Green Season. The campaign offers national and international visitors 10%-50% discounts on services at participating three-, four-, and five-star establishments when booked online at www.cambodiawonder.com

On 30 Jul, the Prime Minister met Phoenix Voyages Group Chairman at the Peace Palace to discuss expanding tourism investments and major international sporting events, including the 10th Angkor Ultra Trail scheduled for Jan 2027. During the meeting, the Chairman proposed staging additional sporting fixtures, expanding operations, and promoting Cambodian culture globally, whilst the PM highlighted government strategies to boost the sector by ensuring visitor safety, lowering travel costs, raising service standards, and leveraging sports tourism alongside historic landmarks

Cambodia is launching pilot nighttime temple visits and expanding film tourism. Announced by the Tourism Minister on 29 Jul, the initiative includes trialling nighttime visits at 1 or 2 selected temples alongside complementary evening activities, as well as rolling out evening tourism services at the Bakong “My Village” Community to support local economies. Simultaneously, Cambodia is courting international film productions to showcase its cultural heritage, with recent projects including a foreign-marketed promotional film and a short film starring Cambodian and South Korean actors shot at key national landmarks

At the Tourism Business Forum 2026 in Preah Sihanouk, the Vice Mayor of Wuxi City in Jiangsu Province pledged to deepen tourism, cultural, and investment ties with Preah Sihanouk. He outlined plans to leverage Cambodia's Jun-Oct visa-free policy for Chinese citizens to build cross-border routes, whilst highlighting Wuxi's own travel agency incentives, 240-hour visa-free transit, and enhanced tax refund schemes

Following new U.S. Section 301 measures announced on 23 Jul, Cambodia's estimated trade-weighted effective tariff on exports to the U.S. rose from 11.6% to 12.2%, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Although Cambodia's rate remains above the ASEAN average of 11.1%, expanded product exemptions helped moderate the regional impact, leaving Cambodia's effective tariff lower than neighbouring Vietnam (12.6%) and Thailand (13.9%)

During a 30 Jul meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet, the President of Asian tour operator Phoenix Voyages Group pledged to expand investments in Cambodia, promote its cultural heritage globally, and organise more sporting events. He detailed preparations for the 10th Angkor Ultra Trail, scheduled for Jan at Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park

Preah Sihanouk province hosted a tourism-sports armwrestling competition from 26-28 Jul under the theme “Sports for Tourism, Tourism for All”. The tournament featured 88 athletes competing across 3 weight divisions

Under a Cambodian government promotion programme, nearly one-third of Preah Sihanouk province's stalled investment projects have resumed construction or operations. A Jun 2026 joint survey identified 428 projects with 468 unfinished buildings, with 128 projects (33.8%) now resolved. Between 2024 and Q2 2026, the Investment Promotion Working Group approved incentives for 491 projects worth $8.4 billion USD, backed by extended property tax exemptions until 2028 from the Prime Minister

The growth corridor south of Phnom Penh surrounding Techo International Airport (TIA) has become a major real estate hub, with 55-75 projects currently completed or under development. The area currently features up to 35 gated housing schemes, 8 condominium projects, and over 30 commercial and logistics developments. By 2030, market projections suggest gated housing projects to reach 40-60, condominiums to grow to 10-20 projects, while commercial, hotel, retail, office, and industrial/logistics properties are anticipated to grow the fastest

The Ministry of Tourism has appointed Cambodian endurance cyclist Tiv Dararith as a Tourism Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his 730-day, 58,000km expedition across 40 countries in Asia, Europe, and Southern Africa

The Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) and the Heilongjiang Travel Agent Association signed an MoU in Phnom Penh on 21 Jul to strengthen two-way tourism cooperation. The agreement will see CATA host Heilongjiang travel agents on familiarisation visits to showcase local products and destinations

According to community leaders and the Ministry of Environment, infrastructure improvements under the Khnang Phsar Green Tourism Project in Kampong Speu province have transformed Khnang Phsar into one of Cambodia's fastest-growing ecotourism destinations. Key developments include a 7km access road, visitor centre, market, and seven scenic viewpoints managed by the Roleak Kang Choeung Community Protected Area. The project has driven a major economic shift, with roughly 95% of local residents transitioning from forest resource collection to providing tourism services, accommodation, and regional produce

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Trade Representative to impose fresh tariffs against 60 trading partners, including Cambodia, for failing to enact or effectively enforce bans on importing goods produced with forced labour. The new measure applies a 10% tariff rate to 17 economies that have partial regimes or commitments in place, while uncompliant economies face a 12.5% rate. The policy includes targeted product exemptions for essential raw materials, goods whose taxation could cause widespread domestic disruption, and specific products from compliant trading partners intended to encourage enforcement

On 23 Jul, the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister met the South Korean Foreign Minister at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila to reaffirm their strategic partnership. The 2 ministers discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, people-to-people exchanges, and combating transnational crimes such as online scams. Looking ahead, Cambodia expressed its readiness to collaborate with Korea on joint commemorative activities for the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2027

The Interior Minister has issued a decision to temporarily suspend the Director of the Tourism Police Department under the General Commissariat of National Police, pending an official investigation. The administrative order requires the Director to report in person to the National Police's Personnel Office every working day during office hours. The Ministry of Interior did not disclose the reasons behind the investigation or name an acting replacement, noting only that the measure takes immediate effect and repeals any conflicting prior provisions

According to a Ministry of Tourism report, in H1 2026: International arrivals to Cambodia reached 1.75 million (-47.9% YoY) Cambodia attracted 452,263 Chinese visitors (-22.9% YoY), 447,692 Vietnamese visitors (-27.7% YoY), and 104,636 American visitors (-11.3% YoY)

A week-long festival combining sports, culture, and local food is taking place from 24-30 Jul at Techo Terrace in Sihanoukville City, organised by the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism. The festival features traditional Khmer cultural performances, live entertainment, and an exhibition of local food and products, alongside sporting events including Kun Khmer, beach volleyball, table tennis, and arm wrestling

Thailand has completed a 1.3km, small-arms-proof concrete border fence topped with steel mesh and concertina wire in Chanthaburi's Pong Nam Ron district, with plans to construct an additional 7km along its 817km frontier with Cambodia. The Thai Chief of Defence Forces General confirmed the long-term security measure as troops remain deployed following 2 rounds of violent border clashes in 2025

The Cambodian Table Tennis Federation and the Ministry of Tourism will host a 2-day "Tourism Sports Event" in Preah Sihanouk on 27-28 Jul to promote table tennis, and boost sports participation. The open-age competition features group-to-knockout singles (capped at 64 players) and straight-knockout doubles (capped at 32 pairs)

The Prime Minister announced that the Cambodian government is providing $50-$60 million USD in monthly subsidies through customs duty waivers and VAT reductions on fuel and electrical appliances. In an announcement, the ministry said a litre of regular gasoline is priced at $1.06 USD from 21 Jul until further notice, +10% from a week ago. Diesel costs $1.22 USD per litre, +15%

In a meeting in Beijing during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China for the 2026 World AI Conference (15-17 Jul), Cambodian Minister of Tourism and a China Media Group (CMG) executive agreed to deepen media cooperation to boost bilateral tourism. CMG, including Cambodia-China Friendship Radio, pledged to leverage its platforms to promote Cambodia's cultural destinations and extensively publicise the Royal Government’s visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, launched the second Cambodia Travel Match (CTM) 2026 Mini-Series in Phnom Penh, following its 18 Jul kickoff in Siem Reap. The business-matching event directly connected local tourism businesses with Indian and international buyers to boost regional travel. Highlights included presentations on Phnom Penh’s investment potential and key attractions, alongside the National Bank of Cambodia’s Bakong Tourists App, a mobile cashless payment system for foreign visitors

Effective from 1pm 21 Jul for 1 week, the Ministry of Commerce has raised Cambodian retail fuel prices to 4,300 riel per litre for regular gasoline (Gasoline 92, up 400 riel) and 4,950 riel per litre for diesel (Gasoil 10ppm, up 650 riel)

METT Singapore and Song Saa Private Island have partnered to launch a 6-night Southeast Asian travel package available from 6 Jul 2026 - 31 Jan 2027. The itinerary is priced from $5,100 USD for 2 guests inclusive of transfers and taxes, pairing 2 nights at METT Singapore near Orchard Road, with 4 nights at Song Saa, Cambodia's first private island resort in the Koh Rong Archipelago

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that it will terminate visa-free entry and related preferential travel schemes for Cambodian citizens from 1 Aug 2026. The decision follows an inter-agency review of visa policies under Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP). While Taiwan decided to extend its trial visa-free entry programme for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines until 31 Jul 2027, and its high-end group tourist visa simplification project until 31 Dec 2027, Cambodian nationals will be completely excluded from both starting in Aug. Furthermore, Cambodians will lose access to conditional visa-free entry via the Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme, though the programme will remain available to eligible citizens from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos

Siem Reap's provincial administration is preparing to launch the 2026 “Khmer Products” and “One Village, One Product” (OVOP) exhibition to integrate locally made goods with the province's tourism industry. The initiative aims to expand market opportunities for farmers and local producers, boost domestic consumption, and encourage tourists to buy Cambodian goods, thereby increasing rural incomes and curbing rural-to-urban migration. The Deputy Governor called on government agencies and stakeholders to support the domestic market under the “Khmer Can Do It” campaign

During an official visit to Shanghai from 15-17 Jul, the Tourism Minister held strategic talks with executives from Touch Travel Agency, Trip.com Group, and Van Hao Sports to encourage the creation of fresh, Cambodia-focused travel packages. He urged these outbound companies to deepen collaboration with the ministry by designing new itineraries, launching joint destination marketing campaigns, and organising familiarisation trips for industry professionals

Cambodia has accused Thailand of violating international law and its national sovereignty by conducting unauthorised, military-escorted media tours for foreign journalists into the disputed O’Smach border area. Thai forces used the visits to showcase alleged cyberfraud operations and claim the compounds were used by criminal networks for tactical drone flights. In response, Cambodian officials and international relations experts rejected these actions, stating that O'Smach is internationally recognised as Cambodian territory and accusing Thailand of using an "anti-scam narrative" to mask an illegal border occupation

Effective from 13 Jul 2026, Cambodia has introduced a policy denying entry to the Angkor Archaeological Park for any visitors wearing traditional costumes that do not accurately reflect authentic Khmer heritage. Authorities raised concerns over rental outfits utilizing fabrics, accessories, and jewellery imported from neighbouring countries that fail to meet recognized Khmer historical standards. Officials are urging vendors to adopt authentic local goods, including Khmer silk, sampot rbauk, and locally crafted jewellery. Costume rental businesses have been granted a transition window until Jan 2027 to completely phase out foreign-made costume elements

During an official visit to Beijing, Cambodia's Minister of Tourism secured expanded partnership commitments from 2 major Chinese organisations to boost bilateral tourism and cultural ties. The ministry partnered with Ping An Property and Casualty Insurance Company to design specialised tourism insurance schemes and investment plans for tourist safety systems, while also initiating a feasibility study into exclusive luxury tour packages to attract high-end Chinese investors and travellers. Simultaneously, discussions with the China Association for the Promotion of Culture and Arts Development (CAPCAD) led to an agreement to collaborate on cultural heritage preservation, digital cultural innovation, film promotion, and arts education

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Cambodia Tourism Board, the Cambodia Tourism Federation, and the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, is organising the Cambodia Travel Match (CTM) 2026 - India Special Edition. The event is scheduled for 18 Jul at the Angkor Miracle Resort & Spa in Siem Reap and 20 Jul at the Steigenberger Hotel Phnom Penh, featuring Table Top B2B business matching alongside official gala and networking dinners. CTM 2026 seeks to drive international arrivals, secure long-term contracts, encourage tourism investment, and ensure sustainable global competitiveness for the country's tourism sector

During a meeting in Beijing, Cambodia's Minister of Tourism and the President of the China Association for the Promotion of Culture and Arts Development (CAPCAD) pledged to deepen bilateral cultural exchanges and joint tourism initiatives. Both sides appointed focal officials and agreed to enhance cooperation across 5 key areas, including reciprocal high-level art exhibitions, cultural heritage preservation, digital cultural and film creativity, arts education, and integrated culture-tourism development. CAPCAD will formulate a detailed project proposal and send a high-level cultural delegation to Cambodia in the near future to explore further opportunities

The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism is backing the upcoming 3rd Overland Event, organised by the Cambodia Pick-up Overland Group (CPG), to develop the country's motorsports and adventure tourism sectors. The initiative aims to boost local economies and support small tourism businesses by showcasing Cambodia's natural landscapes. The ministry has urged organisers to maintain high environmental, cultural, and safety standards

A Cambodian delegation joined over 150 representatives from ASEAN, the Plus Three nations, India, and development partners at the 64th ASEAN National Tourism Organisations Meeting in Singapore. The discussions focused on coordinating regional policy, assessing sub-regional connectivity, and implementing strategic tourism plans for 2026-2030. Delegates drafted recommendations that will be submitted for formal endorsement at the 30th ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2027 in Singapore

On 13 Jul, Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and local partners launched a 7-day ASEAN-standard training programme in Siem Reap to develop certified national master trainers and assessors for the hospitality sector. The initiative is funded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance's Skills Development Fund (SDF), aiming to boost regional competitiveness by training professionals to serve as service-quality educators and knowledge multipliers. To date, the SDF has supported training for 93,780 people (33% women), 8,489 people within the tourism sector (45% women)

The Ministry of Commerce has introduced a revised weekly retail fuel pricing schedule, effective from 1pm 14 Jul, setting regular gasoline (Gasoline 92) at 3,900 riel per litre and diesel (Gasoil 10ppm) at 4,300 riel per litre

On 9 Jul in Singapore, tourism representatives from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam agreed on a new 9-day joint tour package under the “Three Countries, One Destination” initiative, offering 3 days of travel in each nation to boost regional and international tourism. Alongside the package, the delegations endorsed a Joint Action Plan to simplify cross-border travel, organise cultural and sporting events, and coordinate joint promotional campaigns. The progress of this collaboration will be presented at their inaugural meeting during the 20th HCMC International Tourism Expo, taking place from 24-29 Aug in Vietnam

A major rescue operation has evacuated all 551 tourists and local residents trapped on Cambodia's Phnom Knong Psar mountain after flash floods blocked their descent on 12 Jul. Park rangers, local authorities, and community members guided the stranded visitors to safety, providing them with temporary shelter and food at the Damnak Damrei Green Recreation Area. The final 3 individuals, who had been stranded for 2 days, safely reached Tang Bampong village in Kampong Speu province on 14 Jul afternoon as floodwaters receded

The 10-day Battambang Fruit Fair 2026 attracted 198,279 visitors during its first 3 days (+91.04% YoY). The fair saw domestic visitors rise to 197,933 (+91.65% YoY), though international visitors fell by 32.29% YoY to 346

On 14 Jul, the Ministry of Tourism issued a nationwide advisory to protect domestic and international tourists from natural hazards caused by changing weather. Provincial and municipal tourism departments, along with tourism operators, must strengthen preparedness, closely monitor weather forecasts, and maintain emergency readiness to ensure timely assistance. The directive mandates swift communication and coordination between local authorities, operators, tourism communities, and sub-national disaster management committees to promptly disseminate weather warnings, report incidents, and facilitate rapid rescue operations

In its July 2026 outlook, the ADB downgraded Cambodia’s 2026 and 2027 GDP growth projections to 4.1% and 4.7% respectively, whilst sharply raising the 2026 inflation forecast to 4.5%. This revised outlook is driven by global trade uncertainty, Middle East conflict-induced energy and food price hikes, and a prolonged Cambodia-Thailand border closure that has severely disrupted cross-border trade and triggered a nearly 50% drop in international tourist arrivals from Jan-May 2026. According to analyst Chey Tech, these external shocks are exacerbated by domestic challenges, including soaring transport and fertiliser costs for farmers, a decade-long stagnation in real estate and construction, sluggish SME growth, and financial sector risks

The Cambodia Tourism Board launched the "500 Agents FAM Trip 2026" initiative in May, welcoming 145 of its 500-agent target so far. The campaign provides registered local hosts with a subsidy of up to $500 USD per agent to showcase the country's diverse travel pillars, such as culture and nature, and encourage longer visitor stays. Whilst the quota for Indian agents is already fully booked, applications remain open for other global markets, with eligible local businesses urged to apply by the end of Oct

The APSARA National Authority (ANA) has issued rainy season safety guidelines for visitors, tour operators, and transport providers at the Angkor World Heritage Site to ensure safety and preserve the ancient structures. The advisory instructs tourists to avoid parking or sheltering under large trees during heavy rain, refrain from using electronic devices during thunderstorms, and wear high-grip footwear to navigate slippery stones. Tourists are reminded to follow the official Angkor Code of Conduct, apply insect repellent in forested areas, and avoid feeding or interacting with monkeys to prevent dangerous encounters and disease transmission

At the Cambodia Muslim Tourism Forum and Expo 2026 held in Phnom Penh from 10-12 Jul, the Tourism Minister and Phnom Penh Governor reaffirmed the nation's commitment to capturing the global Muslim travel market by launching the Cambodia Muslim-Friendly Tourism Standards Handbook. This third edition of the forum featured policy discussions, business networking, and a 150-booth exhibition under the theme "A Land of Beauty, A Trusted Home for Travel". The Ministry of Tourism also hosted a familiarisation trip for Muslim travel operators from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Local authorities expect these guidelines and promotional initiatives to strengthen international tourism cooperation, create new business opportunities, and position Cambodia as a safe, and emerging competitive destination for halal tourism

The 13th edition of the biennial Tini Tinou International Circus Festival, organised by Phare Ponleu Selpak and Phare, The Cambodian Circus, will take place from 17-24 Nov 2026, expanding across Siem Reap and Battambang. The 7-day event features contemporary performances, a street parade, the Circus Asia Network Annual General Meeting, a Phare-Australia collaborative premiere, a permanent refugee children's art gallery opening, and a special production marking Phare's 40th anniversary

The Ministry of Tourism is revising its use of the metaphor "bringing a frog out of a water well" following public feedback and debate regarding its interpretation. In an 8 Jul statement, the ministry clarified that the Tourism Minister originally used the phrase to describe strategies to elevate Cambodian destinations from limited recognition to global visibility. The ministry linked this revision to the Prime Minister's "Dynamics of One Entity" approach, which emphasises national unity and solidarity to strengthen the country's international image and drive tourism growth

Cambodia and Laos have committed to boosting bilateral economic cooperation by enhancing cross-border infrastructure, including roads, railways, and inland waterways. Both countries aim to harmonise transport procedures to reduce logistics costs and transit times, while targeting $700 million USD in two-way trade by 2030 - an increase from last year's $240 million. Furthermore, discussions focused on improving the business environment for investors, using both nations as regional transit hubs, and advancing energy cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid initiative to support renewable energy distribution