By MoT
Siem Reap. This master plan to Transform Siem Reap into a World-Class Smart Heritage Tourism Destination Connecting Culture and Nature with Resilience, Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Responsibility.
His Excellency HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism, presided over the official dissemination and launch ceremony of the “Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030.” The Plan serves as a common roadmap and practical framework for mobilising all relevant stakeholders to jointly develop higher-quality and more attractive tourism in Siem Reap Province. It aims to realise the vision of transforming Siem Reap into a world-class smart heritage tourism destination that offers exceptional experiences to visitors while contributing to improved livelihoods for local communities.
The grand ceremony was attended by His Excellency NGOV Seng Kak, Deputy Governor and representative of His Excellency PRAK Sophoan, Governor of Siem Reap Province; the Permanent Secretary of State; Secretaries and Undersecretaries of State and other senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism; representatives of relevant provincial departments and institutions; local authorities at all levels; all branches of the armed forces; tourism operators; tourism communities; educational institutions; students; and young content creators, totalling approximately 200 participants at the Siem Reap Provincial Hall.
On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister expressed his profound gratitude to the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, relevant provincial departments, local authorities at all levels and all branches of the armed forces for their consistently close cooperation and comprehensive coordination with the Ministry of Tourism in organising tourism events. He particularly appreciated their active participation through all available means in promoting and developing tourism in Siem Reap and facilitating the visits of both domestic and international tourists to the province.
His Excellency the Minister also highlighted that Siem Reap Province can be regarded as the soul of the Kingdom of Cambodia—a land of glorious civilisation and home to Angkor Wat, a magnificent World Heritage Site and an invaluable treasure of humanity. Siem Reap not only reflects the realities of Cambodia’s history, vibrant arts, culture and illustrious civilisation, but is also a renowned tourism destination representing Cambodia’s identity, prestige and national pride on the international stage.
His Excellency the Minister further emphasised that, amid intensifying regional tourism competition and rapidly changing tourist behaviour, Cambodia must build upon its existing potential by continuously developing new tourism products under the concept of “Siem Reap Beyond Angkor,” improving and strengthening the quality of tourism services, enhancing the destination’s attractiveness and reinforcing security and safety for visitors. These efforts are essential to ensure that Siem Reap can meet the expectations of the new generation of travellers and remain competitive with other major tourism destinations in the region and worldwide.
Before concluding, His Excellency the Minister outlined several key recommendations:
- Continue fostering innovation and creating distinctive landmarks that reflect Siem Reap’s identity, while exploring the potential of underutilised locations and public spaces across the province and transforming them into innovative, highly attractive tourism products and experiences. 2. Develop compelling storytelling at potential tourism sites. In the modern tourism era, destinations must not only “sell places” but also “sell stories, experiences and emotions.” These narratives should connect history, culture, architecture, local lifestyles, cuisine and the distinctive features of each location in ways that are engaging and unique.
- Develop a strong brand for Siem Reap Province by building a distinctive tourism destination identity that leaves a lasting impression in the minds of visitors.
4. Explore opportunities to expand nighttime tourism activities in order to encourage visitors to extend their length of stay.
