First international tourism port is coming up in Cambodia

Kampot Beach (Photo Courtesy: Mad Monkey Hostels

Cambodia is planning to construct the first international tourism port in the coastal province of Kampot. The foundation stone for the port has been laid on Wednesday, on 8th August 2018.

“The port will be developed with the financial aid of USD 8 million from the Asian Development Bank.  The four-hectare is coming up in Chhum Kreal commune of Tek Chhou district,” said Thong Khon, the Tourism Minister

“The port will improve tourism in the province by connecting seaborne tourists from Thailand and Vietnam,” he said in a speech during the ground-breaking ceremony.

The port will be first-of-its-kind in the country, specifically designed for tourist vessels in the kingdom. “The port will play an important role in attracting more tourists and investors to this coastal province,” said Svay Sovath, Director of Administration Bureau of the Kampot Provincial Tourism Department.

“The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019,” added Sovath.

Cambodia has an immaculate coastline in four south-western provinces of Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot and Kep, stretching in the length of around 450 Km.

Besides, it has three world heritage sites, namely the Angkor Archaeological park in north-western Siem Reap province, the Preah Vihear Temple in north-western Preah Vihear province, and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological site in central Kampong Thom province.

Preah Vihear Temple

Tourism is one of the major revenue earners for Cambodia’s economy. The country has received 5.6 million foreign tourists including 1.21 million Chinese last year, earning gross revenue of USD 3.6 billion.

By 2020, the country is expected to have around 7 million international tourists with anticipated revenue of USD 5 billion.