From September 21 to 23, Preah Sihanouk Province attracted a total of 216,956 tourists during the three-day Pchum Ben holiday. This marks a 25.76% increase compared to last year. Among the visitors, 211,288 were domestic tourists, reflecting a rise of 27.59%, while 5,668 were international tourists, which represents an increase of 15.25%.
According to Taing Socheth Kresna, the Director of the Provincial Department of Tourism, 214,071 tourists visited beaches and resorts. This number represents a 27.30% increase. It includes 209,870 domestic tourists, which is up 27.26%, and 4,201 international visitors, which is up 29.50%.
Meanwhile, 2,309 tourists visited the islands, an 18.47% rise, including 1,412 domestic visitors (up 108.56%) and 897 foreign visitors (down 23.48%).
Air travel to the province also experienced growth, with 10 flights carrying 576 passengers, representing a 40.48% increase. Of these, 570 were international passengers (up 41.79%), while 6 were domestic passengers (down 25%).
Socheth Kresna said that Preah Sihanouk Province has 32 islands and over 175 kilometres of coastline, featuring rocks, reefs, and abundant natural resources. Its environment comprises seas, creeks, mangrove forests, plains, plateaus, mountains, and waterfalls, alongside national and marine parks that host a diverse range of marine life.
This ecological wealth supports socio-economic development in commerce, industry, and agriculture.
With its natural beauty and potential, Preah Sihanouk has become a popular tourist destination, widely recognised as the “Rising Star of the Southwest”, attracting both domestic and international visitors.