National
• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Cambodia Ranks 1st in Southeast Asia and 17th Globally for Best Ecotourism
PHNOM PENH, September 9, 2026 – Cambodia has achieved a historic milestone, being ranked as the top country in Southeast Asia and 17th in the world for ecotourism, according to the U.S. News & World Report's global assessment.
The ranking reflects Cambodia's strong and diverse natural resources, as well as international recognition of its conservation efforts and sustainable tourism development. Key indicators used in the evaluation include forest conservation, biodiversity and sustainable resource management, protected natural areas, and World Heritage sites.
Several factors contributed to this achievement, including peace and political stability, which provide a safe environment for tourists, and the implementation of the Environmental Circular Strategy 2023–2028, which focuses on three core pillars: "Clean, Green, and Sustainable," under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The Royal Government continues to promote and expand "green leisure destinations" across protected areas, including the Cardamom Mountains, the Tonle Sap Lake, and coastal regions, to create green jobs, improve local livelihoods, and protect natural resources.
On September 8, the ministries of Environment, Tourism, and Rural Development held an inter-ministerial meeting to develop the Chipaat protected area in Koh Kong province as a model "green leisure destination" to attract more tourists and generate direct income for local communities.
The achievement not only enhances Cambodia's international prestige but also serves as a catalyst for the development of a sustainable green economy.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
The ranking reflects Cambodia's strong and diverse natural resources, as well as international recognition of its conservation efforts and sustainable tourism development. Key indicators used in the evaluation include forest conservation, biodiversity and sustainable resource management, protected natural areas, and World Heritage sites.
Several factors contributed to this achievement, including peace and political stability, which provide a safe environment for tourists, and the implementation of the Environmental Circular Strategy 2023–2028, which focuses on three core pillars: "Clean, Green, and Sustainable," under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The Royal Government continues to promote and expand "green leisure destinations" across protected areas, including the Cardamom Mountains, the Tonle Sap Lake, and coastal regions, to create green jobs, improve local livelihoods, and protect natural resources.
On September 8, the ministries of Environment, Tourism, and Rural Development held an inter-ministerial meeting to develop the Chipaat protected area in Koh Kong province as a model "green leisure destination" to attract more tourists and generate direct income for local communities.
The achievement not only enhances Cambodia's international prestige but also serves as a catalyst for the development of a sustainable green economy.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
