Johor Bahru, Malaysia, January 21, 2025: In conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, Eddy Krismeidi, the President of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) met with H.E. Hout Hak, the Tourism Minister of Cambodia for a highly productive dialogue on strengthening regional collaboration to boost tourism growth.

The meeting underscored Cambodia’s remarkable progress in the tourism sector, which contributes a significant 13% to the country’s GDP. The Minister emphasized the vital role of partnerships with the private sector in driving this success and invited ASEANTA to collaborate in promoting Cambodia’s tourism potential, noting the conducive environment for growth and investment.

During the discussion, the Minister encouraged ASEANTA to:

• Support promotional activities for Cambodia’s tourism growth.
• Encourage private companies to invest in Cambodia’s thriving tourism sector.
• Facilitate the exchange of tourism data and trends to foster informed decision-making.
• Organize familiarization trips and develop innovative tour packages to showcase Cambodia’s attractions.

The ASEANTA President welcomed the Minister’s invitation and expressed readiness to explore concrete collaborations. Key initiatives discussed include:

• Pilot Activities for the MRA-TP Platform: Promoting ASEAN Tourism Professionals and strengthening regional expertise.
• ASEAN Travel Exchange: Organizing a platform to connect tourism stakeholders and facilitate regional partnerships.
• Upcoming ASEANTA Board Meeting in Phnom Penh: Scheduled for March 2025, this meeting will further discuss collaborative efforts to promote Cambodia’s tourism and strengthen ties within ASEAN.

The President of the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) also attended the meeting, reinforcing the collective commitment of regional tourism organizations to foster growth and collaboration.

“This meeting reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing the ASEAN tourism agenda. Cambodia’s dynamic tourism sector presents tremendous opportunities for partnership, and ASEANTA is ready to contribute to its continued success through meaningful initiatives,” said the ASEANTA President.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism for the future of Cambodia’s tourism industry and the broader ASEAN region, as they continue to work together to enhance regional connectivity, professional development, and sustainable tourism practices.

About ASEANTA

ASEANTA is a non-profit tourism association established on 31 March 1971 comprising members from both public and private tourism sector organisations, such as notional travel associations, national hotel associations, airlines and National Tourism Organisations from ASEAN Countries. ASEANTA is an associated entity of ASEAN recognised under the ASEAN Charter. ASEANTA plays an integral role in shaping travel and tourism development within the ASEAN region inline with the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan