EU-backed Green Season Cambodia campaign

Cambodia’s tourism ministry is using a European Union-backed public campaign in Phnom Penh to push travel during the country’s rainy months, folding its “Green Season” message into a broader EU outreach event. The promotion was presented on May 16 at Chaktomuk Walk Street during the launch of the EU delegation’s “EU - Here with You” campaign, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Information and other local reports. Tourism Minister Huot Hak attended alongside EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans and Phnom Penh municipal representatives. Officials presented the event as both a tourism pitch and a demonstration of Cambodia-EU cooperation in culture, youth and creative industries. ### Why was the Green Season campaign tied to an EU event in Phnom Penh? The May 16 event was organized by the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, and Cambodian officials said it was meant to showcase the bloc’s partnership with Cambodia through youth engagement, cultural exchange, tourism, arts and creative activities. The ministry said Huot Hak used the occasion to invite domestic and international travelers to visit during the country’s green season. (information.gov.kh) Igor Driesmans, the EU ambassador to Cambodia, was listed among the senior participants at the launch. The EU delegation’s Cambodia page and recent joint-committee statement show the two sides have been expanding cooperation this year under the EU’s Global Gateway framework and wider Cambodia-EU partnership. ### What exactly is Cambodia selling when it says “Green Season”? Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism defines the green season as the May-to-October period, a window it is trying to rebrand from a traditional low season into a travel period built around landscapes, cooler scenery and local experiences. (information.gov.kh) At a separate May 2 launch of the national “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season 2026” campaign, Huot Hak said the aim was to increase international arrivals, support domestic tourism and spread travel demand across the year. The ministry’s pitch at the EU event repeated that message with a “6 Musts” list. The items included seeing forests, waterfalls and green meadows; staying in guesthouses, resorts or hotels with promotional offers; tasting seasonal food and fruit; visiting heritage sites and eco-tourism communities; trying activities such as trekking, boating and bird-watching; and buying handicrafts and agricultural products from local communities. (b2b-asianews.com) ### Which places and activities are being highlighted? Angkor Archaeological Park, Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri were named by officials as key destinations during the rainy months. The ministry’s descriptions emphasized eco-tourism communities, nature reserves and heritage travel rather than only temple tourism. Chhay Yam dance has also featured in Cambodia’s tourism messaging around visitor arrivals. (information.gov.kh) Khmer Times reported in 2024 that Prime Minister Hun Manet had asked for Chhay Yam performances to welcome tourists at airports, showing how traditional performance is being used in the government’s tourism presentation. ### Where does Angkor International Airport Investment fit into this? (information.gov.kh) Angkor International Airport Investment is not central to the EU event itself, but it is part of the ministry’s wider tourism build-out in Siem Reap. On April 4, Huot Hak met Lu Wei, chairman and representative of Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., to review new tourism products linked to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and surrounding development. (khmertimeskh.com) The two sides agreed to set up a joint working group to monitor investment progress and track tourist arrivals and air passenger traffic through the airport. Cambodian officials said the projects around the airport include culture, tourism and commerce facilities, as well as new tourism products. ### What is still missing from the public rollout? No public budget, spending breakdown or campaign timetable was included in the ministry and government summaries reviewed for this story. (cpp.org.kh) The available materials describe the message, the event participants and the destinations being promoted, but they do not say how much money has been committed or set numerical targets for off-peak arrivals. The next visible milestone is the continuation of Cambodia’s Green Season push through October. The ministry has already said the 2026 campaign covers May to October, while the Siem Reap airport-linked working group is due to keep reporting on tourist arrivals and project progress. (b2b-asianews.com) (information.gov.kh)