Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun autographs a painting at the Tour and Trade Exhibition on March 26. Preah Sihanouk Admin
The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration is holding a five-day Tourism and Trade Fair from March 26 to 30, in order to draw more tourists to the province and encourage investment in new tourism products and services.
The exhibition is being held at Techo Square in Sihanoukville, featuring 250 booths and 58 VIP booths. The exhibits aim to attract tourists, encourage investment, promote national cultural values and expand trade cooperation with the province.
Provincial Department of Tourism director Taing Sochet Kresna said on March 27 that in addition to the fair, the provincial authorities have organised several other entertainment activities. Previous fairs attracted between 70,000 and 80,000 visitors in person, in addition to online views.
“Aside from the exhibition, we have art, culture and traditional activities, including paintings and visual arts exhibitions. At the same time, we will also be running several workshops and meetings,” he added.
According to Sochet Kresna, the fair is crucial, because although the province has natural resources like beautiful beaches and other tourism attractions, it requires additional infrastructure and high-quality services and events to encourage guests to stay longer.
Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) president Chhay Sivlin believes that as Preah Sihanouk is a premium beach destination, the trade fair will be an excellent event for the province and the Kingdom as a whole.
“Major events like this give our friendly neighbouring countries a chance to see us showcase our tourism and trade products, as well as providing opportunities for investors,” she said.
She described the event as a premium networking opportunity for the private sector. During the five-day fair, there will also be operational meetings between the private sector and the state, as well as development partners, with a focus on promoting investment in tourism in the Cambodia-Vietnam-Thailand economic corridor.
Through the fair, she expects tour operators and investors to connect more closely and advance their cooperation to a higher level.
