Cambodia and the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan are stepping up efforts to expand bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on boosting tourism between the two countries. In 2024 alone, over 4,400 Kazakh tourists visited Cambodia, marking a sharp rise in arrivals and opening the door for new opportunities in the travel and hospitality sector.
During a high-level meeting on June 24 in Siem Reap Province, Cambodian Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak met with H.E. Kanet Tumysh, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Cambodia (residing in Hanoi), to discuss strategies for enhancing Cambodia–Kazakhstan tourism cooperation.
According to the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, the number of Kazakh nationals visiting Cambodia in 2024 reached 4,456, a significant 182.9% increase compared to 2023. This rise reflects growing interest in Cambodia as a destination among Kazakh travelers and aligns with Cambodia’s strategy to diversify its international tourism markets.
Exploring New Avenues for Bilateral Tourism Growth
Both sides expressed mutual appreciation for the existing friendship and emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and harmony in fostering tourism development. The meeting covered a broad range of collaborative initiatives designed to strengthen bilateral ties, including:
- Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral tourism cooperation to formalize and expand institutional collaboration.
- Organizing study tours between tourism departments of both countries to exchange knowledge and build capacity.
- Promoting film tourism by showcasing Cambodia’s historical and natural landmarks as filming locations for Kazakh media.
- Exploring direct flights between Cambodia and Kazakhstan, a move that could significantly increase tourist flow and reduce travel time.
These steps are expected to further boost tourist arrivals and promote people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
Also Read, Why a Self-Sustainable Cambodia is Crucial for the Future
Kazakhstan Invites Cambodian Leaders to International Conference
Ambassador Tumysh also extended an invitation to Cambodian leaders, including Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, to attend an international peace and development conference in Kazakhstan in 2026.
The conference will focus on post-conflict recovery and development strategies, and Kazakhstan is eager to hear Cambodia’s story of peace, national rebuilding, and sustained economic growth.
Minister Huot Hak welcomed the invitation, acknowledging the global importance of Cambodia’s peaceful transformation. He reiterated the role that stability plays in tourism development and praised the Cambodian government’s efforts in building a safe and attractive environment for international visitors.
Cambodia as a Preferred Destination for Kazakh Travelers
Cambodia offers a wide range of attractions that appeal to Kazakh tourists, including:
- The world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex
- Historical and cultural landmarks in Phnom Penh
- Tropical beaches in Sihanoukville and Kep
- Unique eco-tourism and adventure experiences
With visa-free access for Kazakh passport holders and increasing efforts to improve travel infrastructure, Cambodia is positioning itself as a top travel destination for Central Asian markets.
A Growing Partnership with Regional Impact
This meeting between Cambodian and Kazakh officials marks a pivotal moment in Cambodia-Kazakhstan diplomatic and tourism relations. By laying the foundation for direct flights, formal agreements, and joint promotions, both countries are creating a sustainable roadmap for long-term cooperation.
The Ministry of Tourism confirmed that more initiatives will follow in the coming months to facilitate travel, promote cultural exchange, and increase the visibility of Cambodia among Kazakh travelers.
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