Siem Reap Province: On the afternoon of 2 September 2026, H.E. Hout Hak, Minister of Tourism, presided over a seminar on “Promoting the Development of the Informal Economy, Vocational Skills Development, and Enhancing Service Quality in the Tourism Sector.” The seminar was organized to promote the implementation of the National Strategy for Informal Economy Development 2023–2028, with the participation of approximately 3,500 informal economy workers.
On this occasion, the working team of the Department of Tourism Vocational Skills Training, led by Dr. Choub Ratana, Director of the Tourism Professional Training Department and Head of the Secretariat of the National Project Management Committee, participated in an exhibition showcasing the Department’s achievements, the achievements of the HoKa Project, as well as books and various instructional materials on tourism vocational skills. The exhibition aimed to disseminate information and highlight opportunities for skills development available to workers engaged in the informal economy within the tourism sector.
Dr. Juab Ratana also delivered a presentation on the draft seven vocational skills training programmes designed for informal economy workers. These programmes have been developed through collaboration between the Department of Tourism Vocational Skills Training, the International Business Institute, and the Skills Development Fund (SDF). The seven programmes include:
1. Hospitality Skills for Informal Economy Entrepreneurs
2. Front Office Skills
3. Cook/Chef Skills
4. Barista Skills
5. Housekeeping Skills
6. Food and Beverage Service Skills; and
7. Leadership Skills
The seven training programmes have been developed for pilot implementation in four target areas: Phnom Penh Capital, Kampong Thom Province, Kampot Province, and Siem Reap Province. They focus on strengthening vocational competencies, improving service quality, and expanding access to employment and sustainable income-generating opportunities for workers engaged in the informal economy.
Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism seeks to strengthen the capacity and professionalism of informal economy workers in the tourism sector, thereby contributing to improved tourism service standards, enhanced livelihoods, and sustainable socio-economic development
in Cambodia.
#ministryoftourism
#InformalEconomy #TourismDevelopment #VocationalSkills #SkillsDevelopment #TourismSkills #HospitalitySkills #ServiceQuality #SustainableDevelopment #EmploymentOpportunities #IncomeGeneration #TourismSector
