Cambodia and Hiroshima University of Economics Eye New Tourism Product to Boost Exchanges

The Ministry of Tourism and Hiroshima University of Economics of Japan have discussed transforming the university’s annual study tour to Cambodia into a new and value-added tourism product to promote people-to-people and student exchanges, local tourism destinations, and community development. The discussion took place during a meeting between H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani, Project Leader and representative of Hiroshima University of Economics, and his delegation at the Ministry of Tourism on Sept. 10. H.E. Huot Hak expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Kashitani and the delegation for their continued support through the Cambodia International Exchange Programme and community development initiatives in Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang and Prey Veng. The initiatives have contributed to people-to-people exchanges, mutual understanding among youth and students of the two countries, human resource development, and awareness of health and sanitation. The Minister also highlighted Cambodia’s political, economic and social situation and tourism development, reaffirming that Cambodia remains a safe and welcoming destination. He noted that the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign is being implemented with airlines, travel agencies, content creators and international media to promote Cambodia’s tourism potential, including to the Japanese market. For his part, Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani thanked the Ministry of Tourism for its continued support and pledged to further strengthen cooperation through student exchanges, educational programmes and the sharing of Japan’s experience, particularly Hiroshima City’s post-World War II reconstruction. He said such cooperation would help foster a spirit of peace and resilience and encourage youth participation in social development. H.E. Huot Hak requested the university to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism to broaden and deepen cooperation. He also suggested study exchange programmes, short courses and study tours for Ministry officials and Cambodian students to promote knowledge sharing and human resource development in tourism. The Minister further encouraged the university to promote Cambodia’s actual situation, safety, security, hospitality and tourism potential through its official website and media channels to attract more Japanese tourists and youth. Since 2009, Hiroshima University of Economics has conducted more than 17 study visits to Cambodia, involving students in education, health, sanitation and community tourism activities in various provinces. The university has also published educational books on peace and nation-building for Cambodian children and is preparing additional books on peace and resilience for Cambodian youth and society. By C. Nika