The Ministry of Tourism is preparing a new development plan to transform Preah Cheyvarman Norodom National Park, better known as Phnom Kulen, into one of Cambodia’s leading nature tourism destinations over the next three years. The initiative follows an official site inspection and a high level consultation meeting chaired by Tourism Minister Huot Hak in Siem Reap province on July 3. The draft strategy is designed to strengthen tourism between 2026 and 2028 while supporting sustainable growth, attracting more visitors, and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
The proposal reflects the government’s broader vision of expanding Cambodia’s tourism offerings beyond the famous Angkor Archaeological Park. By improving Phnom Kulen’s appeal and visitor experience, officials hope to encourage both domestic and international tourists to stay longer in Siem Reap, explore more destinations, and contribute to inclusive economic development. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the plan also supports Cambodia’s long term tourism recovery following recent global challenges.
Government Maps Out a New Tourism Strategy for Phnom Kulen
The draft tourism development plan was discussed during a consultative meeting attended by around 130 participants, including senior government officials, provincial authorities, development partners, and representatives from civil society organisations. The gathering focused on identifying practical measures that will guide tourism development in Phnom Kulen from 2026 through 2028.
The consultation followed an on site inspection of the national park, allowing officials to assess current conditions and identify opportunities for improvement. The strategy aims to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation while ensuring that local communities benefit from increased visitor arrivals and related economic activities.
Tourism Recovery Remains a National Priority
During the meeting, Tourism Minister Huot Hak reaffirmed that the Royal Government continues to place tourism at the heart of Cambodia’s economic recovery strategy. He highlighted the importance of restoring visitor confidence and strengthening Siem Reap’s position as one of the country’s premier travel destinations.
The minister pointed to several major government initiatives already underway, including the Visit Siem Reap Campaign and the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021 to 2035. These programmes are intended to revitalise the province’s tourism sector while creating a more diverse and resilient tourism economy capable of attracting visitors throughout the year.
Expanding Attractions Beyond Angkor
A key objective of the new plan is to encourage travelers to discover more of Siem Reap beyond the world renowned Angkor Archaeological Park. Officials believe that expanding the range of attractions available to visitors will encourage longer stays, increase tourism spending, and spread economic benefits across surrounding communities.
Tourism diversification is also expected to reduce pressure on heavily visited heritage sites while showcasing Cambodia’s natural landscapes and cultural assets. Phnom Kulen, known for its waterfalls, forests, sacred sites, and historical significance, has long been viewed as a destination with significant untapped tourism potential.
“The Draft Key Measures… will serve as an important strategic framework to enhance the destination’s appeal and attract more domestic and international tourists, encouraging visitors to explore attractions beyond the Angkor Archaeological Park,” Hak said.
Prime Minister’s Vision Supports Nature Tourism
The minister also recalled Prime Minister Hun Manet’s direction during the 19th Government Private Sector Forum, where the Ministry of Tourism was tasked with developing Phnom Kulen into a leading nature tourism destination.
That vision aligns with Cambodia’s broader goal of promoting sustainable tourism while protecting natural resources and creating long term opportunities for local businesses. As planning moves forward, officials are expected to continue working with public agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to turn the strategy into practical action.
For more information about the Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives, readers can visit the ministry’s official website at https://www.tourismcambodia.org.
Conclusion
The draft development plan for Phnom Kulen marks another important step in Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen its tourism industry while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. By expanding tourism beyond Angkor and investing in one of the country’s most significant natural destinations, the government hopes to attract more visitors, extend their stays, and generate greater economic opportunities for communities across Siem Reap. If successfully implemented, Phnom Kulen could emerge as one of Cambodia’s most attractive nature tourism destinations in the years ahead.