Cambodia Bolsters Tourist Protection with Four-Year Pact Between Tourism Ministry and Bar Association

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is strengthening the legal framework of its tourism sector under a new four‑year cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia, aimed at improving law enforcement, resolving disputes and protecting the rights and interests of tourists, officials said Thursday. Tourism Minister Huot Hak and Bar Association President Saing Vannak presided over the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ministry headquarters. The agreement, effective from 2026 to 2030, extends cooperation established under an earlier pact signed in March 2021. Under the new MoU, the Bar Association will continue providing legal advice to the ministry, facilitate dispute resolution, and study issues affecting the tourism industry. Vannak said the association would also support drafting tourism‑related laws and regulations, identify gaps in the Law on Tourism and other legal instruments, and promote legal awareness through seminars and outreach activities. Hak requested continued technical support in drafting and revising the Law on Tourism and related instruments, covering 10 legislative projects. He also called for legal training for ministry officials and joint efforts to promote Cambodia’s tourism potential. Officials said the agreement comes as the ministry places greater emphasis on professionalism and standards across the sector. Recent initiatives have included strengthening the capacity of tourism professionals in line with national and ASEAN standards and developing systems to support training and professional development. The Ministry and Bar Association said the renewed cooperation reflects their shared commitment to stronger implementation of tourism laws, a more effective legal framework and a tourism environment based on quality, trust and protection of tourists and stakeholders. The four‑year pact provides a framework not only for consultation and dispute resolution, but also for supporting legislative reform and improving legal awareness across the industry, reinforcing Cambodia’s efforts to safeguard tourists while enhancing competitiveness in the global market.