Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk launches five-year tourism plan

The coastal province is looking to build on its beaches, islands, marine assets and transport infrastructure while broadening its economic base.

Cambodia.- Preah Sihanouk province has unveiled a five-year strategy intended to improve its visitor offering and attract more domestic and international travellers. The plan was launched on September 14 by tourism minister Huot Hak and provincial governor Mang Sineth, with other government officials, local authorities, tourism operators, educators and content creators in attendance.

The strategy sets out priorities for government agencies, provincial authorities and private-sector stakeholders, including the development of new tourism products and improvements to tourism services, security and safety. Authorities aim to develop Preah Sihanouk as an internationally competitive destination for leisure and business travel while supporting its role as Cambodia’s second major urban centre.

The coastal province’s tourism assets include Ream National Park, surrounding islands and marine biodiversity. Transport links include the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Sihanoukville International Airport and the deep-sea port.

According to Hak, improvements to infrastructure, beaches and public spaces have strengthened the province’s tourism appeal. He cited the Preah Thong Toang Sbai Neang Neak, Khmer Can Do and Water-Spouting Dragon statues among its attractions.

Authorities seek to further diversify Sihanoukville’s economy following its rapid expansion as a casino and online gambling centre in the late 2010s. The province faced a downturn in investment activity in 2019 following Cambodia’s decision to stop issuing and renewing online gambling licences, followed by disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, while Cambodian authorities have increased enforcement against illegal online gambling and scam operations associated with some establishments.

Preah Sihanouk recorded 4.77 million visitors in 2025, including 415,459 international arrivals, up 30.45 per cent from the previous year, according to provincial tourism data.