ASEANTA President Eddy Krismeidi and Cambodia’s Tourism Minister H.E. Hout Hak discussed collaborative efforts to boost tourism across the ASEAN region during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 19 January 2025 – As part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, Eddy Krismeidi, President of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), held a pivotal meeting with Cambodia’s Tourism Minister, H.E. Hout Hak, to strengthen regional tourism collaboration and promote sustainable growth.

The dialogue highlighted Cambodia’s impressive tourism sector, which contributes 13% to the nation’s GDP. Minister Hout Hak credited private-sector partnerships as key to this success and invited ASEANTA to partner in advancing Cambodia’s tourism potential. Suggestions for collaboration included supporting promotional efforts, encouraging private-sector investments, facilitating the exchange of tourism data, and organising familiarisation trips to showcase Cambodia’s attractions.

President Krismeidi expressed ASEANTA’s readiness to engage in meaningful partnerships, introducing key initiatives to further tourism development:

  • Pilot Activities for the MRA-TP Platform: Promoting ASEAN tourism professionals and enhancing regional expertise.
  • ASEAN Travel Exchange: Creating a platform for tourism stakeholders to connect and forge partnerships.
  • ASEANTA Board Meeting in Phnom Penh: Scheduled for March 2025 to advance collaborative efforts and regional tourism strategies.

The meeting also included the President of the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA), reaffirming the commitment of regional organisations to work together.

“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 Eddy Krismeidi.

The session concluded with optimism for Cambodia’s tourism potential and broader ASEAN connectivity, setting the stage for enhanced professional development and sustainable tourism practices in the region.

Source: ASEANTA