Tourism minister Sok Soken during a meeting with representatives of the private tourism sector on December 18. TOURISM MINISTRY
The Ministry of Tourism engaged in discussions with key players in the private sector, aiming to foster collaboration and review a draft sub-decree proposing the transformation of the Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (TMPB) into the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB).
This move seeks to enhance effectiveness across the nation’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The meeting saw participation from stakeholders such as the Cambodian Chefs Federation (CCF), the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA), the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), the Cambodian Restaurant Association (CRA) and the Cambodian Hotel Association (CHA).
The goal was to establish a consensus on the principles for finalising a draft sub-decree, ultimately shaping a competitive, sustainable and inclusive tourism destination. The details were shared in a press release issued by the ministry on December 19.
Minister Sok Soken, leading the meeting, noted the essential role of ongoing collaboration with the private sector in promoting the activities of the CTB.
“The government is dedicated to coordinating the outlined framework, aiming to support the initiatives of the CTB, aligning with the developmental needs of the tourism industry,” he said.
“Spearheading the CTB’s promotion is also a crucial stride, aligning with the government’s vision in the seventh mandate under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership,” Soken said.
He also said that this initiative underscores a firm dedication to cultivating partnerships between the public and private sectors. The aim is to establish connections with key tourism markets, accelerating tourism development and contributing to economic growth and domestic productivity.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, said on December 20 that the private sector appreciates and commends the government’s endeavours in structuring plans and activities for the advancement of the Kingdom’s tourism industry.
“We are delighted to collaborate with the ministry and the government during the seventh mandate to streamline the CTB, all in support of a more robust Cambodia,” he said.
The TMPB, a collaboration between the government and the private sector, is currently considering various proposals on tourism facilitation to enhance the Kingdom’s appeal.
Established in 2019, the board is made up of the tourism ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), CATA, PATA and Cambodia Angkor Air.
