Phnom penh: H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, recently welcomed H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Cambodia, and his delegation to discuss enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation between Cambodia and India for the year 2026.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting underscored the close and effective collaboration between Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism and the Indian Embassy, which has led to a notable increase in Indian tourist arrivals in 2025. The Ambassador highlighted the success of joint tourism promotion activities that have produced encouraging results.
Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung emphasized the Ministry's ongoing support for three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) funded by India. These projects aim to develop eco-tourism communities in Cambodia in the upcoming year, reflecting India's commitment to fostering sustainable tourism in the region.
Minister Huot Hak expressed gratitude for India's consistent support, particularly in the tourism sector, noting successful initiatives such as the 'Cambodia-India Tourism Year'. He pointed out the significant rise in Indian visitors during the latter part of 2025 as a testament to this fruitful partnership.
Assuring the Ambassador of Cambodia's readiness to welcome more Indian tourists, Minister Hak highlighted the availability of direct flights operated by Air Cambodia and IndiGo Airlines, linking major cities in both countries. He also mentioned the enhanced safety measures, ongoing national development, and Cambodia's rich tourism potential, bolstered by its warm hospitality and shared cultural heritage with India.
The Minister further acknowledged India's contributions via the QIP projects and the opportunity for four Cambodian tourism officials to participate in a training programme in India in early 2026, aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties.
In 2025, Cambodia received 62,254 Indian tourists in the first 11 months, reflecting the growing interest and connectivity between the two nations.