Cambodia Eyes Chinese Tourism and Investment with International Forum in Sihanoukville

H.E. Thong Hak, Minister of Tourism, presided over the official opening ceremony of the "2026 Tourism and Business Forum," which supports the "Green Season Tourism Campaign." The forum, themed "Promoting the Green Season Tourism Campaign, Visit Preah Sihanouk Province - Cambodia," aims to promote the tourism potential and investment opportunities of Preah Sihanouk Province. The event was attended by H.E. Mang Sineth, Governor of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration, H.E. Im Sothy, Chairman of the Secretariat of the Working Group for Promoting Investment in Preah Sihanouk Province, Mr. Zhou Wendong, Deputy Mayor of Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China, Mr. Ke Kue, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Preah Sihanouk, as well as over 300 national and international investors, business people, and distinguished guests. The forum has three main objectives: 1. To promote the "Green Season Tourism Campaign" and the tourism potential of Preah Sihanouk Province and Cambodia. 2. To promote the linkage between the tourism sector and the investment sector through business matching and discussions between investors. 3. To attract international tourists and investors, especially from the People's Republic of China, to Cambodia during the "Green Season Tourism Campaign." This international event also featured several accompanying activities, including a business matching event connecting 38 sellers with 28 buyers in the tourism sector, with an expected outcome of over 50% of agreements being signed. Additionally, there were exhibitions of local products and "One Village, One Product" (OVOP) items, as well as sports tourism events such as Kun Khmer (Khmer boxing), beach volleyball, and table tennis. On this occasion, H.E. the Minister stated that Cambodia continues to maintain peace, political stability, security, and a favorable investment climate, which serves as a strong foundation for tourism development and attracting foreign investment. He also highlighted that the Royal Government of Cambodia has implemented numerous incentive measures to facilitate travel and investment, particularly the visa exemption for Chinese citizens for five months during the 2026 "Green Season Tourism Campaign." H.E. the Minister emphasized that this forum is a crucial platform for promoting Cambodia's tourism potential and investment opportunities, especially in Preah Sihanouk Province, which is undergoing rapid development in infrastructure, services, and hospitality. Concurrently, it serves as an opportunity to strengthen public-private sector cooperation to jointly boost the growth of Cambodia's tourism and economy. Furthermore, H.E. the Minister outlined three key visions to drive the development of tourism and investment in Preah Sihanouk Province: Firstly, to continue strengthening public-private partnerships through close cooperation in resolving challenges and creating a more conducive business environment in the province. Secondly, to expand service quality and diversify new tourism products to prepare for international tourists and investors, while focusing on creating the province's identity and storytelling to promote its tourism destinations more broadly. Thirdly, to continue promoting Cambodia's attractiveness as a safe tourist destination with genuine potential in Preah Sihanouk Province to the world, especially the Chinese market. H.E. the Minister expressed strong confidence that through the "2026 Tourism and Business Forum," numerous business agreements will be achieved, contributing to the promotion of Preah Sihanouk Province and Cambodia's overall tourism potential and investment opportunities in international markets, thereby encouraging a greater flow of tourists and investments. Source: CEN Cambodia