Phnom Penh: Cambodia marked a significant milestone in bolstering its tourism sector with the formal establishment of the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (CTB). Prime Minister HUN MANET announced the formation of the CTB following a recent Royal Government Decision, which revised the Sub-Decree on the Organization and Functioning of the board earlier this year. The offical announcement was made on 28 June 2024.

Led by Tourism Minister Sok Soken, the CTB brings together representatives from eight key public institutions and seven private sectors, comprising influential stakeholders in Cambodia's dynamic tourism landscape.

The primary objectives of the CTB are to amplify Cambodia's global tourism appeal, tackle sector challenges comprehensively, and achieve targeted developmental milestones crucial for sustainable growth.

Functioning as a collaborative platform, the CTB aims to foster robust engagement between the private sector and the Royal Government. It emphasizes collective responsibility in funding, technical expertise, and innovative strategies, aligning with global and regional tourism trends to ensure adaptability and resilience.

This initiative closely aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's strategic initiative "BUILD + 3Ds," integral to advancing Cambodia's tourism vision under Phase I of the 7th Mandate Royal Government's Pentagonal Strategy. This strategic framework aims to elevate Cambodia as a premier global tourism destination celebrated for its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Tourism continues to play a pivotal role in Cambodia's economy, alongside key sectors such as garment, footwear, travel goods exports, agriculture, construction, and real estate.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed 2.11 million international tourists in the first four months of 2024, marking a notable 22 percent increase from the 1.72 million recorded during the same period last year. Leading contributors to this growth include Thailand, Vietnam, and China.