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PHL, CAMBODIA PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN TOURISM COOPERATION
The Philippines and the Kingdom of Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to advancing tourism cooperation with the presentation of a new Implementation Program on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation between the two nations.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency (H.E.) Huot Hak formally presented the signed agreement on Tuesday (Feb. 11), before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, among other signed agreements on various areas of cooperation, in a ceremony held at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace, as part of the Prime Minister’s two-day official visit to the Philippines.
The newly signed Implementation Program for 2025-2028 builds on the long-standing tourism cooperation between the two nations, which began with the signing of the original MOU in 2000.
“On people-to-people ties, we have entered into formal cooperation on technical vocational education and training (TVET). I note that our two sides have agreed on the Implementation Program for Tourism as well for the period 2024-2028. These two instruments will lead to more vibrant exchanges between Filipinos and Cambodians learning together, using their skills to advance our industries and our economies, as well as experiencing the hospitality, warmth, and natural wonders of our respective countries,” President Marcos Jr. said during the joint press conference.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that “tourism and connectivity are crucial in promoting people-to-people exchange.”
This renewed tourism partnership follows a bilateral meeting between Secretary Frasco and Minister Hak on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia last month, where both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening tourism collaboration.
“The Philippines and Cambodia share many commonalities, including a deep cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings that highlight historical sites, pristine beaches, islands, and rich wildlife, as well as a strong commitment to preserving our historical and natural treasures. Both nations recognize the vital role of tourism in driving economic growth, making this renewed partnership a significant step toward greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual advancement in our tourism sectors. Under the Marcos administration, we remain steadfast in strengthening international tourism linkages to further position the Philippines as a regional tourism powerhouse,” Secretary Frasco said.
Based on DOT data, the Philippines received 4,268 visitor arrivals from Cambodia in 2024.
The new implementation program outlines key initiatives such as the exchange of tourism professionals, sharing of best practices in tourism development, joint promotional and marketing efforts, human resource development and training programs, and collaboration in terms of tourism fairs, exhibitions, and other promotional activities.
A Joint Working Group (JWG) will oversee the execution of the program, ensuring that the outlined initiatives are effectively implemented to maximize the benefits for both countries.
“As we renew this vital agreement, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Cambodia in terms of shared tourism growth and development. This collaboration aligns with our National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 and supports the Philippines’ goal of expanding its tourism market and strengthening regional partnerships,” Secretary Frasco added.
Under the Marcos administration, the Philippines has strengthened international tourism cooperation through key agreements with various countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Thailand, and Qatar.
Among the other agreements presented at the ceremony included the Agreement for the Elimination of Double Taxation to prevent tax evasion, as well as MOUs on: Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation; Information and Communications Technology and Digital Transformation; Technical Vocational Education and Training; Implementation of Competition Law; and the Prevention of Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property. Additionally, a Memorandum of Intent on Investment Promotion was also presented, further strengthening bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
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Published:February 11, 2025
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