The Preah Sihanouk provincial administration, led by the National Committee of Cambodia Coastal Management and Development, is bulldozing a coastal area in Bit Traing commune, Prey Nop district, to create a new public recreational beach named Chum Teav Mao Beach for national and international tourists to visit.
Provincial tourism department director Taing Sochet Kresna told The Post on Tuesday that the government and provincial administration are developing various tourism regions according to a provincial development plan which encourages multi-faceted economic tourism.
The provincial administration said it had permitted authorities to bulldoze cassia trees in the area to ensure the new beach, which covers one square kilometre, could be developed.
Sochet Kresna said: “Two companies are developing this area. One donated land to the provincial administration to expand the beach. The other plans to donate but is still considering its options.”
Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun is willing to develop the coastal area for public tourism but will not allow companies to invest in it because it’s for public use, he said.
He said the name of the beach was a reference to Lok Yeay Mao, an ancient mythical heroine who is revered in the province.
In addition to developing infrastructure and Chum Teav Mao Beach, the provincial administration plans to continuously develop other beaches including Ariston, Otres beach and Ochheuteal beaches.
Toilets and gardens have already been prepared for tourists, Sochet Kresna said.
“According to national development strategies, Preah Sihanouk is a multi-faceted province that will cater to mixed tourism. The main strategy is to develop the economic and industrial sectors.
“In the Ministry of Tourism’s strategy, Preah Sihanouk was set to be a base for business tourism with international standards,” Sochet Kresna said.
Preah Sihanouk has nine beaches, including those being developed, for national and international tourists. In addition, there are 10 more clean beaches on various islands in the province, he said.
Watch video:
