Kampong Cham has been officially declared a smoke-free tourist city. The declaration was made by Minister of Tourism Huot Hak during a ceremony on October 16, 2024, at Kampong Cham Provincial Hall. The event was presided over by Un Chanda, Governor of Kampong Cham, and Ms. Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia.
Governor Chanda highlighted that although Kampong Cham is not one of Cambodia’s main tourist destinations like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, the coastal areas, and north-eastern regions, the province has benefited from Cambodia’s growing tourism industry, thanks to peace and social stability. In the first half of 2024, Kampong Cham received nearly 6 million tourists, including 5,584,494 domestic tourists and 6,672 international tourists.
Chanda emphasised the province’s efforts to develop its ecotourism potential, particularly in areas like Koh Pen, Koh Mit commune, and Kampong Siem district. As a result the province now has 11 resorts, including 5 cultural and historical resorts and 6 natural resorts.
In addition, the provincial administration has called on tourism businesses to prioritise hygiene, high-quality service, and, maintain a smoke-free environment to attract and retain tourists.
During the ceremony, Minister Huot Hak made some recommendations to ensure Kampong Cham’s sustainability as the smoke-free tourist city:
1. Maintain a smoke-free environment: Consistently apply smoke-free principles across the tourism sector to uphold the title of “smoke-free tourism city.”
2. Raise awareness: Regularly educate the public of the harmful effects of tobacco and promote broader implementation of tobacco control laws and regulations.
3. Serve as a model city: Continue to position Kampong Cham as a model for tourism.
Source: khmertimeskh