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Sunday, 27 July 2025

Cambodia Opens Doors to Future Tourism Leaders

Minister of Tourism Huot Hak (left) visits the Vocational
School of Tourism at Preah Sihanouk province. MoT
The country’s first Vocational School of Tourism welcomed its first students in June

A Milestone for Cambodian Tourism

Cambodia marked a significant step forward in tourism education with the opening of its first-ever Vocational School of Tourism (VST) on June 27. Located in both Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk province, the schools officially opened their doors after years of planning, development, and international collaboration.

The initiative aimed to meet Cambodia’s growing demand for skilled professionals in the tourism and hospitality sector. As tourism continues to be one of the country’s major economic contributors, the launch of VST represented a pivotal moment for workforce development and long-term sustainability in the industry.

Joint Support from Cambodia and France

The opening of the VSTs was the result of a strong partnership between the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and the Government of France. Ahead of the opening, Minister of Tourism Huot Hak met with French Ambassador Jacques Pellet to discuss final preparations and express mutual appreciation for the collaboration.

Minister Hak extended his gratitude to the French government, especially Ambassador Pellet, for supporting the vision of advancing Cambodian tourism through vocational training. Ambassador Pellet, in turn, acknowledged the strong ties between both nations and reaffirmed France’s ongoing support for Cambodia’s development.

Facilities Ready to Train a New Generation

Both campuses in Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk were fully constructed and nearly completely equipped by the time of the opening. Designed to international standards, the facilities offer modern classrooms and practical training environments in core tourism sectors including hotel and accommodation services, food and beverage operations, travel services, and tourism management.

Funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD), the VSTs were built not just to offer skills, but to raise the quality of service across the Cambodian tourism landscape. Students enrolling in these programs were given the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience that matches global hospitality standards.

A Vision for a Skilled and Resilient Industry

The soft opening on June 27 symbolized more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony—it represented Cambodia’s commitment to building a skilled tourism workforce capable of sustaining and elevating the sector. With support from France and a growing demand for quality service, the VSTs are poised to become leading institutions in Southeast Asia for vocational training in tourism.

As Cambodia prepares for increased tourism in the years ahead, these schools are expected to play a crucial role in creating job opportunities, improving service quality, and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a welcoming and professional destination.

For more information, visit:
www.tourismcambodia.org
www.afd.fr

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