Merchandise stalls at the 11th Sea Festival in Kampot province. Tourism ministry
The 11th Sea Festival, held in Kampot province from December 13-15, attracted nearly 400,000 national and international visitors – a 50 per cent increase from the 268,000 attendees at last year’s festival in Kep.
Under the theme “Celebrating Coastal Heritage and Sustainability”, the celebration saw participation from Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife. Over three days, the event welcomed 385,553 domestic tourists, reflecting a 44.7 per cent increase, and 3,615 international tourists, marking a 107.4 per cent rise, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Kampot, renowned for its cultural heritage, history, agritourism, ecotourism and relaxing coastal attractions, provided a vibrant setting for the festival. In addition to the revelries, seminars were held, focused on promoting investment, developing tourism and improving service quality in the sector.
The ministry highlighted that the festival was a source of pride, with greater collaboration between the government and private sectors, drawing significant attention from local and international audiences.
Heng Sambath, a 21-year-old from Phnom Penh, who attended the festival with his family on December 14, told The Post that despite some rain in certain areas, the event was well attended.
He noted that the festival offered a variety of attractions, including exhibitions, sports competitions, merchandise stalls, live music and numerous food vendors.
Sambath found the festival enjoyable, highlighting the opportunity to explore the beach and nearby tourist sites such as Bokor Mountain. He added that the rain did not diminish the experience, as visitors could still enjoy the sea.
Prime Minister Hun Manet (centre) at the 11th Sea Festival in Kampot province. Tourism ministry
He said the event’s proximity to Phnom Penh also made it convenient for a day trip, as his family travelled to Kampot in the morning and returned home in the evening.
Looking ahead, Sambath expressed enthusiasm for attending future Sea Festivals, describing the event as very enjoyable. He added that he is especially eager to visit Koh Kong province, which he has yet to explore.
Since 2011, Cambodia has hosted the Sea Festival annually – except during the Covid-19 pandemic – rotating between the four coastal provinces: Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong and Kampot. The festival aims to showcase the tourism potential of Cambodia’s coastline while promoting marine and coastal conservation.
In addition to the Sea Festival, Cambodia organises river festivals in provinces along its rivers. These events seek to highlight the tourism potential of riverine areas, encourage urban development and foster community-based tourism initiatives.
The 12th Sea Festival is set to take place in 2025 in Koh Kong, a destination celebrated for its ecotourism appeal. The province is home to abundant natural resources, including pristine beaches, majestic mountains and diverse mangrove ecosystems, making it a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists, according to the ministry.
