By MoT
Phnom Penh. H.E. Minister HUOT Hak: “Phnom Penh is not only Cambodia’s political, administrative, economic, commercial and cultural center, but is also strengthening its role as an international tourism gateway and a vibrant urban tourism destination that brings together history, culture, civilization, urban experiences and modern lifestyles.”.
H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism, together with H.E. KHUONG Sreng, Governor of the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, presided over the official launch of the “Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030.”
The Plan is not merely a strategic guidance document, but also a shared roadmap and practical framework for mobilizing all relevant stakeholders to jointly develop Phnom Penh’s tourism sector, enhance its quality and attractiveness based on the principles of Clean, Smart and Green, and strengthen the capital’s competitive advantages and capacity with the aim of positioning Phnom Penh as one of the region’s prominent urban tourism destinations.
The important ceremony this morning was attended by approximately 300 participants, including leaders of the Ministry of Tourism; Deputy Governors of Phnom Penh Capital; Governors of all 14 Khan administrations; officials from relevant departments and specialized agencies; and other stakeholders. The event was held at the Grand Meeting Hall of the Phnom Penh Capital Administration.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. the Minister expressed his profound appreciation to the Governor of the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, the Phnom Penh Capital Council, the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, the General Department of Tourism Development and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism, relevant departments, local authorities at all levels, and all branches of the armed forces for their continued close cooperation and comprehensive coordination with the Ministry of Tourism in all tourism-related events.
In particular, H.E. the Minister highly appreciated their active support, through all available means and mechanisms, for the implementation of the “Visit Cambodia Green Season” Campaign, which has been carried out since 2025 and continues throughout 2026.
On this occasion, H.E. the Governor of the Phnom Penh Capital Administration informed the participants that, in order to enhance the attractiveness and beautification of Phnom Penh, the Capital Administration and relevant stakeholders have announced plans to improve the riverfront area along Chaktomuk Walk Street, transforming it into a modern, green and environmentally friendly tourism zone for both domestic and international visitors.
The Phnom Penh Capital Administration also plans to develop additional tourism products, including public recreational parks that can accommodate major national and international tourism and sporting events; dedicated lanes for public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate mobility; as well as cycling lanes and the introduction of public electric bicycles to provide greater convenience for tourists and commuters.
H.E. the Minister further emphasized that Phnom Penh is not only the political, administrative, economic, commercial and cultural center of the Kingdom of Cambodia, but also a major international tourism gateway and a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan urban destination connecting visitors to tourism destinations throughout the country.
Phnom Penh possesses a distinctive identity, rich cultural assets and diverse tourism potential. [8/17/2026 4:01 PM] Yin Leangkong ( Jack): In particular, Chaktomuk Walk Street, as one of the capital’s newest tourism products, has continued to gain popularity and recognition as an attractive destination for visitors.
At the same time, H.E. the Minister highlighted that, amid increasingly intense tourism competition in the region and rapidly changing traveler behavior, Cambodia cannot rely solely on its existing tourism assets. The country must continue to create new tourism products, improve and strengthen the quality of tourism services, enhance destination attractiveness, and reinforce security and safety for visitors.
These efforts are essential to ensure that Phnom Penh can respond effectively to the expectations of a new generation of travelers and keep pace with the evolving competitive landscape among major tourism cities in the region and around the world.
In this regard, H.E. the Minister outlined three key strategic priorities to strengthen Phnom Penh’s competitiveness and respond to the changing preferences of modern travelers:
1. Phnom Penh Destination Branding Promote the development of a distinctive identity and a strong destination brand for Phnom Penh, enabling the capital to establish a clear and memorable position in regional and international tourism markets.
- Tourism Storytelling Move beyond simply “selling tourism destinations and places” toward “selling stories, experiences and emotions.” This approach will connect tourism experiences with Phnom Penh’s history, culture, traditions, customs, architecture, local ways of life and cuisine, allowing visitors to develop a deeper emotional connection with the capital.
- Night Tourism Development Expand and diversify tourism activities and experiences at night in order to encourage visitors to stay longer, increase tourism spending and strengthen Phnom Penh’s vibrant urban tourism economy.
