PHNOM PEHH: Siem Reap, Cambodia – Cambodia’s tourism industry is receiving a significant boost through a new initiative focused on human resource development.

On July 22nd, 2024, HE Pak Sokhom, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the Hoka Project Management Committee, presided over the opening ceremony of the “200 Hospitality Skills Training Session 2” at Angkor University.

This program represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, the Siem Reap Tourism Club, and the Skills Development Fund (SDF).

It aims to equip 200 young people from across Cambodia with the skills needed to thrive in the hospitality sector. The participants, including 109 women, will receive comprehensive training in essential areas like front office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage service, and culinary expertise.

This initiative directly aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s vision of transforming Cambodia into a premier tourist destination renowned for its diversity, opportunity, and warm hospitality.

The program complements the strategic initiative ” 5 BUILD + 3Ds, a cornerstone of the Ministry’s development plan under the leadership of HE Sok Soken, Minister of the Minister of Tourism.

The training program addresses a critical need in Cambodia’s tourism sector. While the industry employed an estimated 630,000 young Cambodians in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted that number to only 450,000.

With tourism projected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 or 2025, an estimated gap of 180,000 skilled workers needs to be filled. By equipping a new generation with hospitality expertise, this training program directly addresses this skills gap and ensures a robust workforce for the future.

This investment in human resources underscores Cambodia’s commitment to building a resilient and thriving tourism sector. By equipping young people with the necessary skills and knowledge, Siem Reap is well-positioned to capitalize on the anticipated growth of tourism in the coming years.