Phnom Penh's Doun Penh District Officially Declared "Smoke-Free Tourist City"

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Doun Penh district in the capital city of Phnom Penh has been officially recognized as a "Smoke-Free Tourist City." This designation is the result of close collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Health Movement Organization of Cambodia, along with other relevant stakeholders. The official announcement ceremony took place on the afternoon of September 10, 2026, at the Phnom Penh City Hall. Presiding over the event were His Excellency Hout Hak, Minister of Tourism; His Excellency Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh; and Her Excellency Dr. Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia. According to His Excellency Ho Sarun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism, a "Smoke-Free Tourist City" is an official title awarded by the Ministry of Tourism to cities, districts, or communes that implement exemplary models and have tourism service businesses that operate well and in accordance with the minimum standard operating procedures for implementing a smoke-free environment in the tourism sector, as well as complying with the Law on Control of Tobacco Products and related legal instruments. The primary objective is to contribute to reducing the impact of cigarette smoke, promoting health and well-being, and creating a safe, clean, and attractive tourism environment for citizens, workers, and tourists. His Excellency Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, stated that the Chaktomuk pedestrian street attracts approximately 200,000 tourists on weekends. With a focus on public health, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration selected the Chaktomuk pedestrian street as a smoke-free and tobacco-product-free zone. This effort has received strong support from citizens as well as national and international visitors, making Doun Penh a truly smoke-free tourist city. The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration will continue to promote a smoke-free city, and relevant districts and communes must continue to disseminate information about the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. During the occasion, His Excellency Hout Hak, Minister of Tourism, announced that Doun Penh district has been recognized as a "Smoke-Free Tourist City." He emphasized that this work is not yet complete and that efforts will continue to establish other areas as smoke-free cities. He described this achievement as a model and a driving force for other districts to prepare their own areas to become smoke-free cities. Phnom Penh serves as the gateway for tourists from all directions, and Doun Penh district, with its numerous tourist attractions such as Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the Chaktomuk pedestrian street, is a key tourist area. His Excellency Hout Hak further stated that the recognition of Doun Penh as a smoke-free tourist city is a product of close cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, the Doun Penh District Administration, the Ministry of Health, the WHO, the Health Movement Organization of Cambodia, and all involved parties. He stressed that the "Doun Penh District: Smoke-Free Tourist City" award should not be considered merely an acknowledgment but a collective commitment to continue maintaining and strengthening a safe, healthy, and attractive smoke-free tourism environment. His Excellency Hout Hak also noted that the Chaktomuk Walk street in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has been ranked second among the top 10 famous walk streets globally due to its location, environment, aesthetics, and public order and safety. This is particularly significant as a testament to the participation in celebrating and recognizing Doun Penh as a smoke-free tourist city. Her Excellency Dr. Marianna Trias also spoke, highlighting Doun Penh as the historical heart of Phnom Penh, a place where culture, commerce, government, hospitality, and tourism converge. She noted that it is here that many tourists form their strongest impressions of Cambodia and where residents, workers, and visitors share roads, markets, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces. Doun Penh is sending a simple yet profound message: everyone should be able to enjoy the heart of the capital without facing the inhalation of secondhand smoke. This signifies a choice for clean air, healthy public spaces, and a tourism experience that prioritizes its visitors and citizens. Source: CEN Cambodia