Cambodia's Tourism Minister, Thong Khon, received the honour of becoming a member of the globally recognised “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches Club”. His induction occurred during the club’s board of directors meeting in Horta, Portugal from May 27-29.

The club’s president, Louis Thebault, and Carlos Manuel Ferreira, mayor of Horta, led the meeting, with the participation from the board, comprising a secretary general, president, vice-presidents from four continents, and the club’s treasurer general, according to the tourism ministry.

The agenda was robust, discussing matters from reviewing the club’s internal regulations and considering new members, to enhancing the club’s global presence and planning for the upcoming 17th General Assembly of the World’s Most Beautiful Beach Club in Yeosu, South Korea.

The ministry said three individuals were unanimously honoured as new honorary members: Thong Khon, Abdoulaye Sene, advisor to Senegal’s President, and Yves Borius, former chief finance director for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. They join Michelle Pauly of France’s Somme coast and Zorica Kravic of Croatia, the only other honorary members.

Thong Khon’s nomination represents a significant milestone for the club as he is the first Asian to receive this recognition. It also symbolises the growing influence of Cambodia on the world stage, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

The successful hosting of the SEA games in Cambodia was also applauded by the club’s board. Bruno Bodard, co-founder of the club, attended the opening ceremony and was impressed by the event’s global reach.

Established in 1997 in Berlin, Germany, the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches Club is headquartered in Vannes, France. It boasts 44 member beaches across 26 countries. Cambodia was welcomed into the club at the 7th General Assembly in Tobago, Senegal, on May 26, 2011.