At the 25th ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers Meeting, tourism ministers from ASEAN member states together with China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea approved the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Cooperation Work Plan for 2026–2030.
Cambodia was represented by Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, who led a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board. The meeting also included ASEAN officials, partner-country delegates, and representatives of the ASEAN-China Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre, and ASEAN-Korea Centre.
Background
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the meeting reviewed progress achieved since the 24th ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers Meeting in 2025 under the previous cooperation framework. Cambodia noted the contribution of the ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Japan, and ASEAN-Korea centres to implementation results.
Key Decisions and Cooperation Points
The principal outcome reported by the ministry was the approval of the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Cooperation Work Plan 2026–2030.
During the meeting, Cambodia also highlighted bilateral tourism cooperation with China and Japan. In relation to China, the ministry stated that Cambodia appreciated continued Chinese support for tourism development and for promoting growth in Chinese tourist arrivals during the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025.
The ministry further stated that Cambodia has implemented a pilot visa exemption project for citizens of the People’s Republic of China holding Chinese passports for a four-month trial period from 15 June to 15 October 2026.
In relation to Japan, Cambodia welcomed positive outcomes from participation in tourism forums including EXPO Japan and the 8th ministerial roundtable held in Aichi Prefecture.
Implications for Regional Tourism Governance
The approval of the 2026–2030 work plan establishes a new reference framework for ASEAN Plus Three tourism cooperation. For Cambodia, the announcement is relevant as an official record of its participation in regional tourism coordination and of policy-linked tourism cooperation with partner countries, including the ministry’s statement on a time-bound visa exemption pilot for Chinese passport holders.
Official Source
Ministry of Tourism announcement on the 25th ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers Meeting, published on 31 January 2026.
