PHNOM PENH – The Malaysian state of Melaka has pledged to boost Muslim tourism between Melaka and Cambodia while encouraging investment and continuing humanitarian projects in Cambodia.
Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak met Melaka Governor Tun Seri Stia Dr Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam on September 28, on the sidelines of the World Tourism Conference 2025 in Melaka city, Malaysia.
Ali Rustam, who also serves as president of the Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI), discussed strengthening tourism collaboration between the two sides, particularly in the areas of medical, religious, culinary, educational, and sports tourism, as well as meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE tourism), and youth exchanges.
During the discussion, Huot Hak also briefed him on Cambodia’s political, social, economic and tourism developments, particularly the close tourism ties between Cambodia and Malaysia.
Huot Hak expressed his thanks to DMDI for implementing many humanitarian missions in Cambodia, especially in education, religion and humanitarian aid. He also conveyed his deep appreciation to DMDI for selecting Cambodia as the host country of the 21st DMDI Conference, which has taken place in Phnom Penh since 2023.
Established in 2000, DMDI brings together Malay-speaking and Muslim communities and entrepreneurs from 23 countries to foster solidarity and cooperation across various fields. Cambodia became a member of DMDI in 2012.
Recognizing the growing global Muslim travel market, Cambodia is building its reputation as a Muslim-friendly destination, with the ministry implementing a range of strategies to attract Muslim travelers.
To enhance the country’s readiness in welcoming Muslim tourists, the Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum and Fair 2025 will be held from October 9 to 11 at Al-Serkal Mosque in Daun Penh district.
Held under the theme “Assalamu Alaikum Cambodia: A Safe, Warm and Friendly Destination”, the event will bring together tourism experts from the public and private sectors, Muslim community leaders and business professionals to exchange experiences and provide input for the development of the tourism sector.
The event will also feature exhibition booths showcasing tourism services and products.
It is expected to highlight Cambodia as a safe, warm and welcoming destination for tourists of all backgrounds, while showcasing the country’s tourism potential in line with the Muslim tourism market.
In December 2024, Cambodia also hosted the Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum under the theme “The Beauty of Harmonization and Muslim Friendly Tourism Destination”. The event highlighted cultural heritage, halal services, infrastructure improvements, and strategies to better engage with the growing Muslim travel market.
Cambodia welcomed 445,230 Muslim tourists out of 6.6 million international visitors in 2024 and in the first seven months of 2025 alone, 258,148 Muslim travelers arrived in the country.
