Tourism & Interview : H.E. Thok Sokhom, “building a resilient and competitive tourism sector”

H.E. Thok Sokhom, Secretary of State and High Representative of the Cambodian Minister of Tourism, gave an interview at the regional workshop to launch the sustainable tourism initiative of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), “Destination Eco-Talent (DET)”, held in Siem Reap from March 26 to 28, 2025.

H.E. Thok Sokhom, Secretary of State and High Representative of the Cambodian Minister of Tourism

The event marked a crucial milestone in the promotion of sustainable tourism in Cambodia and the entire Mekong region, including Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

Mr. Sokhom underlined Cambodia's historic links with La Francophonie and the country's steady progress under visionary leadership, with particular emphasis on the peace and stability ensured by former Prime Minister Hun Sen and the development underway under Prime Minister Hun Manet. According to him, this stability has enabled tourism to flourish, with Cambodia welcoming 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, an increase of 23% on the previous year, and 22.52 million domestic tourists, an increase of 20.1%. Projections for 2025 foresee continued growth, subject to regional peace.

Watch the interview (in English with French subtitles) :

The workshop aimed to raise awareness of sustainable tourism objectives, establish a common roadmap for training and product development, and foster a regional network of stakeholders to share best practices and encourage cross-border cooperation. He also stressed the importance of balancing environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits to build a resilient and competitive tourism sector aligned with Cambodia's 2050 vision as a high-income country.

Mr. Sokhom praised Minister H.E. Huot Hak's commitment to environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism, encapsulated in the slogan “Everyone is a brand ambassador for Cambodian tourism”.

He also called for greater regional and global cooperation, emphasizing multi-faceted approaches including policy frameworks, green initiatives such as carbon reduction and waste management, capacity building, community involvement and digital innovation to optimize resources and enhance the visitor experience.

Mr. Sokhom stressed the need for rigorous policy implementation and monitoring to ensure the long-term impact of sustainable tourism, advocating adaptive management and transparency. Finally, the Secretary of State concluded his remarks with a call for collective effort and unity to achieve a sustainable tourism future, inviting participants to actively engage in dialogue and future initiatives.

Mr. Sokhom warmly welcomed guests to discover Cambodia's rich heritage, highlighting iconic sites such as Angkor Wat and the unique Equinox events, positioning Cambodia as a “Kingdom of Wonders” and a model for sustainable tourism development in the region.