The 9th River Festival of Cambodia is set to showcase the country’s cultural richness and natural tourism potential while attracting both local and international visitors. The event, themed "River Values: Connecting Culture and Natural Tourism," aims to highlight local products, tourism services, and the unique charm of the coastal territories.
In his opening speech, Prime Minister of Cambodia emphasized that peace and stability have transformed Cambodia into a sought-after destination for tourism, investment, and trade in Asia. Since 1993, tourism has seen a remarkable growth, expanding nearly thirteen-fold and becoming the driving force behind Cambodia's economic development over the past three decades.
"Factors of peace and stability have transformed Cambodia into an attractive place for tourism, investments, and trade in Asia; in particular, tourism has become the main driving force for the country's economic development, with growth approximately 13 times since 1993," the Prime Minister stated.
This year’s festival theme underscores the importance of rivers, reflecting their benefits and potential by linking culture with ecotourism, illustrating the deep relationship between rivers and the lives of Cambodians.
Takeo province, situated in the southern region of Cambodia and bordering Vietnam, features expansive agricultural lands interspersed with rivers, lakes, and gently rolling hills. This area is also rich in historical significance, housing numerous ancient temples that attract both historians and tourists alike.
The River Festival of Cambodia, which originally commenced in Krat province in 2015, has since traveled to several other provinces, celebrating the heritage and natural beauty of the region. After being on hiatus for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event made a comeback in Kampong Thom province in 2023 and Siem Reap province in 2024, demonstrating the resilience of Cambodia’s tourism sector.
Expected to be a vibrant display, this year's festival at the Takeo province promises guests an array of exhibitions focused on achievements in tourism and trade, alongside a plethora of food stalls offering local delicacies.
In addition, the event features an exciting lineup of sports competitions, including a 75-kilometer cycling race from Phnom Penh to Takeo, a run that will engage 1,200 participants, as well as tug-of-war, volleyball, and rowing competitions.
Governor of Takeo province, Wae Samnang, expressed optimism regarding the significant economic boost that the festival will bring, stating, "This is the first time in this area we are holding the River Festival. Let’s hope that with this festival, the province’s economy will receive a significant boost for development."
He elaborated that this festival is not only a cultural celebration but an opportunity to promote Takeo’s local products to both Cambodians and international tourists, showcasing the tourism potential of this coastal province to a wider audience.
In summary, the 9th River Festival of Cambodia aims to reignite interest in domestic and international tourism while fostering economic growth for local communities. Through events such as this, the Cambodian government continues to strive toward developing its tourism sector and enhancing the livelihood of its people.
