AKP Phnom Penh, February 23, 2026 --

In a major move to capitalise on centuries of shared civilisation, the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) convened a high-level meeting on Friday to aggressively expand tourism and travel trade between the two nations.

The event, titled "Promoting Tourism and Travel Trade between India and Cambodia," brought together a powerhouse of government officials and private sector leaders. Key figures included Indian Ambassador H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, top officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, and high-ranking tourism delegates from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

A central pillar of the discussions focused on India’s "Buddhist Circuit" – the sacred trail of sites following the life and teachings of the Buddha. 

Representatives from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh delivered comprehensive presentations on these holy sites, which remain a primary draw for Cambodian pilgrims.

To ensure a seamless cultural experience, Indian officials unveiled plans for "ASEAN Food Courts" designed to provide Southeast Asian travellers with familiar cuisine while exploring the subcontinent.

Ambassador Bawitlung emphasised that while the two nations share a deep-rooted historical and religious bond, current tourism numbers are "below actual potential."

"The current timing is ideal for both governments and the private sector to prepare a joint roadmap," the Ambassador stated, calling for a modernisation of travel facilitation systems, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced transport connectivity to ensure every traveller receives a "warm and respectful" welcome.

Data reveals a massive spike in travel interest that officials are eager to exploit:
Cambodian Outbound: 11,326 Cambodians travelled to India in 2024, a staggering 38 percent increase from the previous year.
Indian Inbound: Approximately 80,000 Indian tourists visited Cambodia in 2024, with strong growth projected through 2026.

The surge is fueled by a growing network of flights, including direct routes between New Delhi and Phnom Penh and Kolkata and Siem Reap. Specialised charter flights between Phnom Penh and Gaya are also being optimised to cater specifically to Buddhist pilgrims.

Beyond religious tourism, the "Golden Triangle" (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) and the Himalayan regions are being marketed to Cambodians as premier destinations for medical tourism, wellness, and adventure.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment from both sides to dismantle bureaucratic hurdles and work hand-in-hand with the private sector. By leveraging their shared heritage, Cambodia and India aim to turn this "civilisational link" into a modern economic engine.

By K. Rithy Reak