Published on
October 7, 2025
Cambodia has made a significant leap in global tourism by making its debut at IFTM Top Resa 2025, one of Europe’s leading B2B travel trade exhibitions. Held in Paris, this event from September 23-25 marked a new chapter for Cambodia’s tourism sector as it seeks to establish stronger connections with French and European markets. The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) used the platform to promote the country’s unique cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and premium tourism services. This participation signals a shift towards broadening Cambodia’s appeal beyond traditional tourist markets, targeting the French-speaking and European audience with innovative tourism offerings.
Cambodia’s First Participation at IFTM Top Resa
Attracting international travel professionals, IFTM Top Resa serves as a comprehensive networking event that brings together stakeholders from various sectors like leisure, business travel, MICE, group travel, and travel technology. Cambodia’s entry into this prestigious event emphasizes the country’s desire to diversify its tourism markets, particularly in Europe. In a bold move, Cambodia sought to engage not just with travel agents, but also with media outlets, airlines, and international institutions, to boost the country’s presence in the European tourism space.
The Cambodian delegation, led by the Cambodia Tourism Board, included several key players from the tourism industry such as Jade Falcon Tourism, Asian Trails, and Phoenix Voyages. These companies, along with The Royal Sands Resort, worked together to hold numerous B2B meetings aimed at fostering partnerships and expanding the reach of Cambodia’s tourism offerings.
Building Stronger Ties with France and Europe
The primary objective of Cambodia’s participation at the event was to showcase the country’s unique tourism assets, such as its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and luxury travel options. These attractions were presented to potential French and European buyers, including travel agencies, online travel platforms, and tour operators, with the hope of creating more tailored travel packages and increasing tourism from these regions.
The delegation participated in more than 100 meetings with French and European industry leaders. Key discussions involved promoting Cambodia as a prime destination for cultural exploration, luxury travel, and regional connectivity. This engagement is also aligned with the country’s preparation for the 2026 Francophonie Summit, where Cambodia will be in the spotlight as a host country. This summit provides an ideal opportunity for Cambodia to showcase its diverse offerings on a global scale.
Growing Interest from European Travel Agencies
Early signs of success from Cambodia’s participation at IFTM Top Resa include heightened interest from European travel agencies in expanding their portfolios to include Cambodia. Several travel agencies have expressed interest in crafting specialized travel packages that prominently feature Cambodia as a key destination. In particular, interest was high in Cambodia’s ability to merge its ancient cultural sites with modern travel conveniences.
Opportunities for Future Partnerships and Promotion
Looking ahead, the Cambodia Tourism Board intends to continue nurturing the relationships formed at the event through joint promotional campaigns, targeted digital marketing strategies, and partnerships with European stakeholders. These efforts will focus on reaching the French-speaking audience, as well as enhancing travel connectivity to make it easier for tourists to visit Cambodia from Europe.
The upcoming Francophonie Year in 2026 will further provide Cambodia with an opportunity to build deeper cultural and tourism engagement with France and other Francophone nations. The success of this initial appearance at IFTM Top Resa lays a solid foundation for Cambodia to expand its presence in Europe, with a clear commitment to promoting its exceptional travel offerings on the global stage.
What Should Travelers Know About Cambodia’s Tourism?
For those considering Cambodia as a future travel destination, there are several key highlights to keep in mind:
Rich Cultural Heritage: Cambodia’s temples, particularly the Angkor Wat temple complex, are some of the most iconic historical sites in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually.Exquisite Natural Beauty: The country offers scenic landscapes, from serene beaches on the coast to lush jungles and rivers, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.Premium Hospitality: Cambodia is seeing an increase in high-end resorts and luxury travel options that combine comfort with cultural immersion.New Travel Packages: European travel agencies are introducing custom tours that blend cultural exploration with modern conveniences, creating a more accessible and enjoyable experience for tourists.Key Takeaways from Cambodia’s Debut at IFTM Top Resa
Cambodia’s participation at IFTM Top Resa serves as a clear message that the country is keen to establish itself as a significant player in the European tourism market. The successful launch of new partnerships, along with an enthusiastic response from European travel professionals, positions Cambodia as a top-tier travel destination in the years to come. As the country prepares for the Francophonie Summit 2026, we can expect Cambodia’s tourism industry to continue expanding its presence and appeal in Europe.
By focusing on strategic collaborations, digital marketing, and offering unique travel experiences, Cambodia is poised to become a popular destination for European travelers seeking cultural discovery and premium hospitality.
