Cambodia Triumphs at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 with 27 Prestigious Awards

Phnom Penh, February 3, 2026 – Cambodia shone brightly at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2026) in Cebu, the Philippines, by sweeping 27 prestigious distinctions during the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards.

This remarkable achievement, announced between January 27 and 31, celebrates the Kingdom’s excellence in urban cleanliness, green hospitality, and MICE infrastructure, highlighting a post-pandemic tourism resilience that radiates Khmer hospitality on the regional stage.

A diverse and exemplary honor roll

The list of winners speaks volumes: five ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standards went to Siem Reap, the city of ancient temples; Stung Treng, nestled in the heart of the jungle; Kampong Cham, the peaceful Mekong riverside gem; Battambang, home to pristine colonial heritage; and Preah Sihanouk, the coastal jewel of idyllic beaches and islands.

Five ASEAN Green Hotel Awards honored pioneering establishments in sustainability, while fifteen MICE trophies—spanning meeting halls, exhibition centers, and event venues—cemented Cambodia’s standing as a prime hub for conventions and incentives.

An ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award in both the urban and rural categories sealed this dominance, reflecting a model where ecology and economy intertwine harmoniously.

Kampong Cham, in particular, emerged as a local symbol: its recognition as a “Clean City” reflects community-driven efforts to preserve its Mekong riverbanks and vibrant markets—an attraction for authentic, responsible tourism.

These awards are far from empty symbols; they confirm the Kingdom’s compliance with rigorous ASEAN standards, bolstering the confidence of international travelers seeking reliable and ethical experiences.

A ministerial delegation at the heart of success

H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, led a united delegation composed of representatives from the five award-winning provinces and private hospitality actors. Their presence at the ceremony embodied a crucial public-private synergy forged through past crises.

“These awards honor Cambodia’s collective commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism,” the ministry stated in a morning communiqué, reaffirming the ATF’s mission: to raise regional standards for all tourism service providers.

This collective victory propels the sector toward greater maturity, turning every winner into an ambassador of a Kingdom in renewal.

ASEAN vision: strategic plans and strengthened cooperation

The 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, held under the theme “Navigating Our Tourism Future Together,” celebrated the sector’s robust recovery. Key highlights included the launch of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Marketing Strategy 2026–2030, focused on quality tourism, product innovation, and human resource development—particularly benefiting communities, women, and youth.

Ministers also applauded the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam cooperation, promoted through a ministerial-level initiative titled “Three Countries, One Destination.” They encouraged the continuation of events like the CLMV Flavors Festival and the Land and Cross-Border Tourism Seminar, both hosted in Cambodia in 2025, to enhance intra-ASEAN travel flows and forge a unified destination.

These developments position Cambodia as a sub-regional driving force, where trilateral partnerships catalyze cultural, commercial, and tourism exchanges. Imagine: a shared visa, Mekong express routes, cross-border culinary festivals—the future is already taking shape.

Horizons 2027: Singapore ahead, Cambodia leading

The 30th meeting is set for Singapore in January 2027, continuing this momentum. Beyond the accolades, this harvest of 27 trophies boosts the economy—creating green jobs, attracting MICE investors, and heightening global visibility for inclusive tourism.

From Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, Cambodia now invites global travelers to embark on a sustainable journey: mystical temples, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities. In 2026, the Kingdom is no longer a promise—it is an awarded reality, ready to win hearts and inspire international itineraries.