Minister of Tourism Huot Hak has called on relevant institutions and industry stakeholders to expand Cambodia’s tourism workforce through continued skills training, warning that the sector could face growing demand for skilled workers in the coming years.
Speaking at the opening of the Employment Matching Forum 2026 on October 30 in Siem Reap province, Huot Hak said that despite the current challenges facing the tourism industry, the sector retains considerable potential and is expected to require more skilled workers in the future.
He urged stakeholders to strengthen vocational training and human resource development to ensure the workforce can meet both current and future labour market demands.
The minister also praised the Paul Dubrule School of Hospitality and Tourism for its longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Tourism in developing skilled professionals in line with ASEAN competency standards and the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP).
Since 2002, the school has trained more than 6,000 tourism professionals, many of whom are now working in Cambodia’s tourism and hospitality industries, with some progressing into management positions and establishing their own tourism businesses.
Siem Reap Provincial Deputy Governor Ngov Sengkak said tourism remains a priority sector for Cambodia’s socio-economic development, contributing to job creation and higher household incomes.
He highlighted Siem Reap’s rich cultural and historical heritage and extensive tourism resources, stressing that developing human resources, strengthening vocational skills and improving service quality are essential to fully realising the province’s tourism potential.
He described the job matching forum as an important platform for connecting jobseekers directly with employers while helping young people understand labour market requirements and access actual job interview opportunities.
The provincial administration remains committed to expanding employment opportunities and improving vocational skills, particularly among young people, to enhance their competitiveness and help them secure decent work, he added.
The forum also seeks to strengthen recruitment networks by bringing employers and professional recruitment agencies together at a single venue, while providing government institutions and development partners with opportunities to engage with the public.
Held over two days, from October 29 to 30, the programme began with training sessions on October 29 covering job interview techniques, CV preparation, job and internship searches, professional development, workplace attitudes, labour market conditions and recruitment trends.
The second day featured the official opening ceremony and a job fair involving 100 companies from the tourism, hospitality and services sectors.
The participating companies are expected to offer approximately 5,000 job opportunities, with around 3,000 people expected to attend, submit applications and participate in direct interviews.
