Cambodia is exploring a new approach to tourism that combines education, cultural exchange and community development. On September 10, 2026, Tourism Minister Huot Hak met Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani, Project Leader and representative of Hiroshima University of Economics, in Phnom Penh to discuss turning the university’s annual Cambodia study tour into a more structured and value added tourism product.
The proposal builds on more than 17 study visits the Japanese university has conducted in Cambodia since 2009. The programmes have involved students in education, health, sanitation and community tourism activities across several provinces, creating an established foundation for deeper tourism and student exchanges.
“Cambodia and Hiroshima University of Economics are exploring a tourism model that goes beyond sightseeing by connecting Japanese student exchanges with education, community tourism and human resource development. The partnership could help introduce more young Japanese visitors to Cambodia while supporting local communities and creating deeper people to people connections. With more than 17 study visits since 2009, the university already has long standing experience in Cambodia. The proposed cooperation could now turn that experience into a more structured tourism product, supported by study programmes, short courses and cultural exchanges, while also promoting Cambodia’s safety, hospitality and Green Season tourism opportunities to Japan.”
From Study Tour to Tourism Product
The Ministry of Tourism wants the university’s annual study tour to Cambodia to evolve into a tourism product that delivers broader value for students, communities and the tourism sector. The concept would promote people to people exchanges while encouraging visitors to explore local destinations and participate in community development.
Minister Huot Hak praised Dr. Kashitani and his delegation for their continued support through the Cambodia International Exchange Programme and community initiatives in Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang and Prey Veng. These programmes have supported youth exchanges, mutual understanding, human resource development and awareness of health and sanitation.
Japan Cooperation Could Support Cambodia’s Tourism Skills
Dr. Kashitani expressed appreciation for the ministry’s support and pledged to strengthen cooperation through student exchanges, educational programmes and the sharing of Japanese experience. Particular attention was given to Hiroshima City’s post World War II reconstruction experience, which the university sees as a foundation for promoting peace, resilience and youth participation in social development.
Huot Hak proposed preparing a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and the Ministry of Tourism. He also suggested study exchanges, short courses and study tours for ministry officials and Cambodian students, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and tourism related human resource development.
A New Route Into the Japanese Tourism Market
The minister also encouraged the university to use its official website and media channels to promote Cambodia’s actual situation, safety, security, hospitality and tourism potential. The request comes as Cambodia promotes its “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign with airlines, travel agencies, content creators and international media.
For Cambodia, the partnership offers a potentially valuable route into Japan’s youth and education communities. Rather than relying only on conventional holiday travel, study based tourism can encourage longer stays, deeper local engagement and repeat interest in Cambodia.
A Partnership Built Since 2009
Hiroshima University of Economics has conducted more than 17 study visits to Cambodia since 2009. Students have participated in education, health, sanitation and community tourism activities in different provinces.
The university has also published educational books on peace and nation building for Cambodian children and is preparing additional books focused on peace and resilience for Cambodian youth and society. The long history of cooperation gives the proposed tourism product an existing network and practical foundation.
A Broader Opportunity for Cambodia Tourism
The discussion shows how tourism can increasingly connect with education, skills development and community engagement. For Cambodia, turning established academic exchanges into organised tourism experiences could create a more meaningful visitor economy while strengthening ties with Japan.
The key opportunity is to transform existing cooperation into a sustainable programme that benefits students, local communities and tourism businesses. If structured effectively, Cambodia could gain not only more Japanese visitors, but also stronger educational partnerships and deeper people to people connections.