Cambodia's ecotourism development has won further international recognition. On October 8, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a document through the Cabinet Affairs Ministry, congratulating the country on its achievements in the ecotourism sector. According to the latest global assessment by U.S. News & World Report, Cambodia has been ranked the most desirable ecotourism destination in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 17th in the world.
Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said this achievement is a source of pride for all Cambodians and reflects the international community's recognition of Cambodia's natural environment and tourism resources.
Previously, in the 2026 Best Countries ranking released by U.S. News & World Report, Cambodia ranked first globally and in Southeast Asia in two indicators: "Best Natural Environment" and "Sustainability of Land and Natural Resources."
Eang Sophalleth noted that these results were built on the foundation laid by Senate President Hun Sen, whose past efforts helped drive national peace, maintain political stability and protect natural resources.
He also said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia has continued to advance its green economy, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, while developing green tourism to improve the livelihoods of residents around nature reserves.
With ecotourism attracting more international attention, Cambodia is expected to further leverage its resource advantages, including forests, nature reserves and rich biodiversity, to promote coordinated development between tourism and ecological protection and to enhance the country's international appeal as a tourism destination.
