Koh Rong is moving toward becoming Cambodia’s next certified smoke free tourism destination, with authorities aiming to complete the process by the end of 2026. The initiative was discussed during a workshop held on Tuesday by the Ministry of Tourism and the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration, bringing together tourism officials, local authorities, health experts, and representatives from the private sector to develop practical measures for reducing smoking in public places across the island.
The campaign is designed not only to protect residents and visitors from exposure to tobacco smoke, but also to strengthen Koh Rong’s image as a clean, healthy, and attractive destination. Officials are now working on enforcement measures, public awareness, capacity building, and cooperation with businesses as they prepare the island for an official smoke free evaluation.
Authorities Prepare a Roadmap for Koh Rong
The workshop was chaired by Hor Sarun, State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Head of the Smoke Free Environment Working Group, representing Tourism Minister Hout Hak. Discussions focused on how authorities and tourism stakeholders can work together to ensure that smoke free regulations are properly understood and enforced.
Hor Sarun stressed the importance of strict compliance and close cooperation among relevant stakeholders. The goal is to create an environment where residents, workers, and tourists can enjoy Koh Rong without being exposed to tobacco smoke in public and tourism areas.
The initiative comes as Cambodia continues to promote responsible and sustainable tourism. For an island destination such as Koh Rong, maintaining a clean and healthy environment could also help strengthen its appeal to visitors looking for quality travel experiences.
Local Authorities and Tourism Businesses Have a Key Role
One of the main priorities is improving the capacity of municipal and sangkat authorities so they can effectively implement and monitor smoke free measures. Stronger enforcement will be needed to ensure that regulations are followed consistently across public spaces and tourism related areas.
Hospitality operators are also being encouraged to take a more active role. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, entertainment venues, and other tourism businesses will need to understand the health risks associated with tobacco smoke and help create environments that support the smoke free goal.
This means the initiative is not simply about introducing restrictions on smoking. It also depends on cooperation between government agencies, local authorities, tourism businesses, employees, and the wider community. Their combined efforts will be important in making the policy practical rather than simply a formal designation.
Around 100 Stakeholders Join the Discussion
Around 100 government officials and private sector representatives attended the workshop, highlighting the broad range of stakeholders involved in the initiative. The event included panel discussions as well as closed door strategy meetings focused on developing a practical timeline for Koh Rong’s official smoke free evaluation.
These discussions are expected to help clarify the steps that need to be completed before the island can be assessed for certification. They also provide an opportunity for authorities and businesses to identify challenges and coordinate their responsibilities ahead of the 2026 target.
For Koh Rong, achieving smoke free status could become another part of its wider tourism development strategy. Alongside its beaches, natural attractions, and growing tourism industry, a cleaner public environment could help strengthen the island’s reputation among both domestic and international visitors.
What Does Smoke Free Koh Rong Mean for Tourism?
A smoke free Koh Rong could offer several benefits for the island’s tourism sector. Visitors may feel more comfortable spending time in public areas, restaurants, hotels, and other tourism facilities where exposure to tobacco smoke is reduced. It could also support Cambodia’s broader efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable tourism destinations.
For tourism businesses, the initiative could also encourage improvements in workplace standards and visitor experiences. Operators that actively support smoke free policies may be better positioned to appeal to families, health conscious travellers, and international visitors who value clean and comfortable destinations.
At the same time, successful implementation will depend on consistent enforcement and clear communication. Authorities will need to ensure that businesses and residents understand the rules, while tourism operators will need to communicate the requirements clearly to their customers and staff.
Why Is Koh Rong Targeting 2026?
The end of 2026 has been set as the target for Koh Rong to achieve official smoke free tourism destination status. The workshop therefore represents an important step in turning the goal into an actionable plan, with authorities now focusing on capacity building, enforcement, awareness, and stakeholder coordination.
The timeline also gives local authorities and businesses time to prepare. Rather than introducing the requirements without preparation, the current approach allows stakeholders to understand what will be expected and address potential challenges before the official evaluation takes place.
Conclusion
Koh Rong’s ambition to become a certified smoke free tourism destination by the end of 2026 signals a broader effort to make Cambodia’s tourism destinations cleaner, healthier, and more visitor friendly. With around 100 officials and private sector representatives already involved in planning, the next challenge will be turning the strategy into consistent action on the ground.
If authorities, tourism businesses, and local communities work together effectively, the smoke free initiative could benefit public health while also adding another positive feature to Koh Rong’s growing tourism appeal. The success of the plan will ultimately depend on strong enforcement, business cooperation, public awareness, and sustained commitment ahead of the 2026 evaluation.