Siem Reap: Francophone Showcase – The Franco-Cambodian CCI Accelerates Preparations for the 2026 Summit

As the 20th Sommet de la Francophonie draws near — scheduled for November 2026 in Siem Reap, at the heart of the Angkor temples — Cambodia intends to refine its tourism strategy. The CCI France-Cambodge (Franco-Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), through its Siem Reap branch, is strongly committing alongside the Ministry of Tourism to promote the Kingdom’s assets to francophone investors and travelers.

On December 4th, François Schnobelen, President of the Siem Reap section of the CCI and a major figure in local hospitality — also director of the Paul Dubrule Hotel and Tourism School — met with H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism.

A strategic alliance forged in Phnom Penh

This meeting, held in the capital, highlighted reinforced cooperation on tourism, with concrete recommendations from members of the CCI to boost the sector, improve the business climate, and optimize investments. The Minister expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in the royal government, as shown by the continual investments from French entrepreneurs. He detailed immediate and medium-term measures from the ministry in response to current challenges — such as the post-pandemic recovery and the influx of tourists — nearly 4.8 million international visitors by 2025. The CCI intends to position itself as an essential partner for this summit and, more broadly, for the tourism and economic growth of Cambodia.

Khmer hospitality in the service of Francophonie

Having lived in Cambodia for years, François Schnobelen praised the Cambodians’ love of peace and legendary hospitality — pillars of social harmony and flourishing development. He reaffirmed the CCI’s commitment to attracting French tourists and investors, by capitalizing on public–private synergy. This vision is part of a broader dynamic: the Summit, supported by France since 2023 during the meeting between the King (Norodom Sihamoni) and Emmanuel Macron, will showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

The Francophonie Village: a living laboratory for the future

Discussions also addressed preparations for the Village de la Francophonie — a flagship feature of the 2026 Summit. The goal: to make it an attractive, vibrant, content-rich space to showcase Cambodia’s tourism strengths and investment opportunities to delegates from over 90 countries, participants, and the international community. As evidence of momentum: the 2025 Francophonie Village, managed by Schnobelen, stood out for its increased budget, Canadian and Québecois support, and logistical anchoring via the Paul Dubrule school — signaling a sustainable annual event.

Siem Reap: the beating heart of this plural fraternity

Beyond political exchanges — with declarations on education, climate or digital technology — the Summit will boost the economy through institutions such as the Institut de la Francophonie pour le développement durable. Already a hub for cultural events blending Khmer traditions and French influences, Siem Reap is asserting itself as the vibrant core of this plural fraternity. By preparing for this historic event, the CCI and the government are weaving a prosperous future, where the legacy of Angkor dialogues with Francophone modernity. An audacious bet to shine on the international stage.