The Ministry of Tourism led a forum on investment in the Kingdom’s tourism sector for the first time on Monday in Siem Reap.

A panel of national and international experts from 11 countries led discussions about the development of the industry.

The minister, Thong Khon, said talks at the event will form the foundation of the government’s strategy during the next mandate.

“We are prepared to welcome all investment projects concerning the protection of culture and environment, and furthering tourism. Conservation serves to boost development and development aids conservation,” he said.

Within his ministry, he said, the department of tourism investment and tourism production will facilitate and cooperate on investment projects within the public and private sectors.

Pacific Asia Travel Association chairman Sinan Thourn said this was the first forum in the Kingdom to discuss investment in the tourism sector.

“The purpose of the forum was to promote Cambodian tourism to international investors,” he said.

The ministry’s data showed that three million international tourists visited the Kingdom in the first half of this year.