Preah Sihanouk Province Tourism Surges During Lunar New Year

Preah Sihanouk province experienced a significant surge in tourism during the recent Lunar New Year celebration, welcoming a total of 294,30...

Preah Sihanouk province experienced a significant surge in tourism during the recent Lunar New Year celebration, welcoming a total of 294,301 tourists, including 11,905 international visitors. This marked an impressive 28 percent of the total tourist influx recorded throughout the three-day festive period from February 9th to 11th.

According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), the Lunar New Year celebration across Cambodia attracted a total of 1,051,472 tourists, with 57,481 being international travelers. Preah Sihanouk province emerged as the top destination, accounting for 27.9 percent of the overall tourist figures, followed closely by Siem Reap province.

Siem Reap province, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, showcased promising growth in tourism numbers. Acting Director of Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism, Thim Sereyvudh, reported a notable increase of 11.56 percent compared to the previous year. The province welcomed approximately 99,600 national tourists and 18,077 international visitors, contributing 11.2 percent to the total visitor count.

Battambang, known as the 'rice bowl' province of Cambodia, attracted 88,572 national tourists and 874 international visitors during the Lunar New Year celebration. Meanwhile, Pailin, situated along the Thailand border, and Kep province showcased their unique charms, welcoming 79,720 and 73,145 tourists, respectively.

Kep Province experienced a notable increase in domestic tourism, with the Director of the Kep Provincial Department of Tourism, Som Chenda, reporting an 8.36 percent rise compared to the previous year. The province welcomed a total of 72,494 national tourists, with international tourist numbers slightly declining.

Kampot Province, known for its picturesque landscapes and renowned for high-quality pepper and durian, emerged as a popular destination during the Lunar New Year festivities. Director of Kampot Provincial Department of Tourism, Soy Sinol, reported over 64,528 tourists visiting the province, with attractions such as Daung Te Resort and Preah Monivong Bokor National Park drawing significant interest.

The surge in tourism across various provinces underscores Cambodia's diverse offerings, ranging from pristine beaches and cultural landmarks to culinary delights and eco-tourism attractions. As the tourism sector continues to thrive, authorities are keen on promoting sustainable practices and enhancing visitor experiences to ensure long-term growth and prosperity.