Phnom penh: UNESCO in Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism in developing cultural and heritage tourism. This initiative aims to highlight tourism in the activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of Cambodia's membership in UNESCO in 2026.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the commitment was made during a meeting held in Phnom Penh between H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Flavio Bonetti, Representative of UNESCO in Cambodia. Mr. Bonetti emphasized UNESCO's dedication to supporting Cambodia in preserving and promoting its cultural and natural heritage, which significantly contributes to the country's tourism potential.
The meeting also discussed UNESCO's technical assistance to Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism in applying for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The successful designation of Battambang as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy was noted, and there was discussion about extending support to other provinces. Both parties shared views on managing and developing World Heritage Sites such as Angkor, Sambor Prei Kuk, and Preah Vihear temples, with a focus on balancing their universal value with sustainable tourism development.
H.E. Huot Hak expressed his gratitude to UNESCO for its ongoing support and collaboration in promoting sustainable tourism development in Cambodia. He welcomed UNESCO's initiatives and collaborative activities that are crucial in attracting international tourists and supporting Cambodia's economic growth. The Minister also sought further UNESCO support for promoting Cambodian tourism destinations globally and requested technical assistance for heritage conservation, particularly for Preah Vihear Temple.
Additionally, H.E. Huot Hak requested UNESCO's technical support for Cambodia's applications to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Kampot city, and Kratie and Rattanakiri provinces. He also proposed incorporating tourism as a key agenda item in the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of Cambodia's UNESCO membership in 2026. Cambodia, which joined UNESCO in 1951, has had a UNESCO country office since 1991.