By MoT
Phnom Penh. H.E. Minister HUOT Hak: “We are actively preparing to launch pilot projects for nighttime temple visits and promote film tourism as a Soft Power strategy to elevate Cambodia’s tourism sector.”
In line with the high-level guidance of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN MANET, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on the Support and Coordination of Film Tourism and Nighttime Temple Visits convened a meeting to discuss key strategic directions aimed at developing new and attractive tourism products while enhancing Cambodia’s international profile.
The meeting was chaired by H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group, with the participation of vice chairpersons, members, representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, the Board of the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (CTB), and private sector representatives, totaling approximately 60 participants.
The Ministry of Tourism would like to note that it has previously worked closely with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, and other relevant institutions to facilitate the filming of a tourism promotional production by Daubai Production, entitled “The Journey of Five Couples from Kazakhstan Visiting Cambodia.” The film was officially premiered in Kazakhstan.
In addition, Cambodia has served as the filming location for several internationally acclaimed productions, including Tomb Raider, Two Brothers, First They Killed My Father, In the Mood for Love, and The Sea Wall. The country has also hosted international commercial shoots for prestigious luxury brands such as STEFANO RICCI and Louis Vuitton (LV).
Nighttime temple visits have also been successfully showcased during several major international events, including the 39th World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the 42nd Annual OB-PS Community Meeting, the BVLGARI Jewellery Exhibition, the Gumball 3000 Rally, and a number of international summit meetings.
To ensure the effective implementation of nighttime temple tourism, H.E. Huot Hak instructed that a pilot project be launched by selecting one or two temples for trial operations in the near future. At the same time, he encouraged the development of additional nighttime tourism activities to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.
As part of this initiative, H.E. the Minister will soon launch nighttime tourism services at the Bakong “My Village” Community, which will serve as a successful model for expansion to other tourism communities across the country. The project is expected to generate direct economic benefits for local community members.
Furthermore, to further promote Cambodia’s tourism potential internationally, a short film project featuring renowned South Korean actors alongside Cambodian actors, filmed at key tourism destinations throughout Cambodia, is also scheduled to be launched in the near future.
The Inter-Ministerial Working Group on the Support and Coordination of Film Tourism and Nighttime Temple Visits in Cambodia was established by a Royal Government Decision dated 16 June 2026. The Working Group consists of one Chairperson, six Vice Chairpersons, 28 members, and one technical working group.
