Phnom penh: The Ministry of Tourism and Hiroshima University of Economics of Japan have initiated discussions on transforming the university's annual study tour to Cambodia into a new tourism product aimed at enhancing people-to-people and student exchanges, promoting local tourism destinations, and fostering community development.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the dialogue occurred during a meeting between H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani, Project Leader and representative of Hiroshima University of Economics, along with his delegation at the Ministry of Tourism. During the meeting, H.E. Huot Hak conveyed his appreciation to Dr. Kashitani and his team for their ongoing support through the Cambodia International Exchange Programme and community development efforts in various provinces.
The initiatives have significantly enhanced people-to-people exchanges, mutual understanding among youth and students from both countries, human resource development, and increased awareness of health and sanitation. The Minister emphasized Cambodia's stable political, economic, and social environment, underscoring its appeal as a safe and welcoming destination. He mentioned the 'Visit Cambodia in the Green Season' campaign, which is being promoted with airlines, travel agencies, content creators, and international media to highlight Cambodia's tourism potential, especially to the Japanese market.
Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani expressed gratitude for the Ministry's support and committed to reinforcing cooperation through student exchanges, educational programmes, and the sharing of Japan's experiences, particularly Hiroshima City's post-World War II reconstruction. He noted that such collaboration would promote peace and resilience and encourage youth involvement in social development.
H.E. Huot Hak proposed that the university prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism to expand and deepen their cooperation. He also recommended study exchange programmes, short courses, and study tours for Ministry officials and Cambodian students to enhance knowledge sharing and human resource development in tourism.
The Minister urged the university to promote Cambodia's current situation, safety, security, hospitality, and tourism potential through its official website and media channels to attract more Japanese tourists and youth. Since 2009, Hiroshima University of Economics has conducted over 17 study visits to Cambodia, engaging students in education, health, sanitation, and community tourism activities across various provinces. The university has also published educational materials on peace and nation-building for Cambodian children and is preparing additional resources on peace and resilience for Cambodian youth and society.