Sihanoukville Aiming for International Marine Tourism Hub by 2030

PREAH SIHANOUK, Sept 15, 2026 (KPT) — The Kingdom of Cambodia has launched a plan to transform Preah Sihanouk province into an internationally competitive marine tourism destination by 2030, aiming to upgrade products, services and infrastructure to attract global visitors, officials said Monday. Tourism Minister Huot Hak and provincial governor Mang Sineth unveiled the Preah Sihanouk Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030, describing it as a roadmap to build the province into a high‑quality business and leisure hub and Cambodia’s second major urban center. Hak said the province has strong potential for coastal, island, ecotourism and water‑sports activities, supported by its coastline, marine biodiversity and Ream National Park. He noted that transport and economic infrastructure — including the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and an international airport — provide a foundation for expanding tourism and business. The minister stressed the need to develop new tourism products and improve service quality, cleanliness, security and safety as competition among regional destinations intensifies. He also urged the sector to adapt to digital technology and artificial intelligence to meet the expectations of younger travellers. The plan calls for cooperation among government institutions, local authorities, businesses, communities and influencers under six strategic pillars. Officials said the broader vision is to position Preah Sihanouk not only as a leading coastal destination but also as a major economic and urban center contributing to growth, innovation and sustainable development. Hak encouraged young people and content creators to promote the province’s attractions internationally, under the tourism sector’s message that “Every individual is a promoter of Cambodian tourism.”