PM Hun Manet urges Cambodia's tourism sector to embrace digital technology and artificial intelligence

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, observed every year on September 27, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on the tourism sector to seize the opportunities offered by new technologies to strengthen competitiveness and expand Cambodia's tourism market globally. World Tourism Day 2026 is being held under the theme "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence for Reorganizing Tourism," as digital technologies, artificial intelligence, big data, and smart technologies are creating new opportunities for tourism development.

Hun Manet noted that these technologies are transforming the tourist experience — from searching for information, choosing destinations, planning trips, booking services, and making payments, to sharing post-trip experiences. The use of data and artificial intelligence can also help analyze markets, manage visitor flows, and design more effective policies. At the same time, the Prime Minister raised challenges such as the digital divide, cybersecurity, data and privacy protection, misinformation, and unequal access to the benefits of technology, underscoring the need to ensure safe, transparent, and responsible use.

The Prime Minister also encouraged the tourism sector to digitize information about tourist destinations, cultural heritage, the arts, cuisine, and community products, in order to link local potential with national and international markets. Micro, small, and medium-sized tourism enterprises — including family businesses, artisans, and tourism communities — were urged to take part in the digital transformation to expand their businesses, increase income, and create jobs. Despite advances in technology, the Prime Minister stressed that "Khmer identity remains an irreplaceable asset," while the Royal Government will continue to develop human capital, infrastructure, and tourism products, as well as improve service quality and expand markets. By: Sophyok.