Darasakor Coastal Tourism Festival in Koh Kong Celebrates Eco-Tourism Growth, Enhancing their Tourism Sector and Promoting Sustainable Development of Cambodia

Published on December 1, 2025

The Darasakor Coastal Tourism Festival 2025, held from November 27-30 in Koh Kong province, has gradually become a great opportunity to present Cambodia’s growing commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable tourism development. It highlighted the natural beauty and cultural heritage that the region holds, aimed at drawing both national and international tourists to Koh Kong’s coasts. This event is part of the overall strategy of Cambodia in improving its tourism offerings while keeping its natural resources preserved for future generations.

Vaheng Davut, Secretary of State at MoT, underlined that the festival represents part of the Government’s continued efforts toward positioning Cambodia as a safe, friendly tourist destination where eco-tourism and responsible travel are at the core of its national tourism agenda. In this vein, the emphasis on sustainable tourism is in line with growing global demand for responsible experiences of travel that prioritize nature conservation, local community engagement, and cultural preservation.

Enhancing Cambodia’s Eco-Tourism Potential

The tourism sector in Cambodia is experiencing growth, especially in eco-tourism, as the country looks to attract travelers who are keen on exploring environmentally sustainable destinations. Koh Kong’s abundant natural resources, including its beaches, forests, and wildlife, offer an ideal setting for eco-tourism activities, including nature treks, wildlife viewing, and water sports. The Darasakor Coastal Tourism Festival is helping to promote these attractions, which are likely to drive tourism revenue and local economic growth by attracting tourists to lesser-known regions.

This festival, which also features cultural performances and local crafts, supports community-based tourism, where visitors interact with local cultures and traditions. By emphasizing sustainable tourism practices—such as minimizing environmental footprints, promoting local entrepreneurship, and preserving natural ecosystems—the event serves as a model for future tourism development across the country.

Economic Impact of the Darasakor Festival on Local Communities

The tourism boom in Koh Kong, spurred by events like the Darasakor Coastal Tourism Festival, provides significant economic benefits for the local communities. As tourists flock to the area, demand increases for accommodation, food services, local tours, and souvenirs, directly benefiting small businesses and local entrepreneurs. The influx of visitors also generates income for the region’s hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants, and helps drive job creation in industries such as tourism services, guides, and transportation.

By fostering sustainable tourism and supporting local businesses, the festival is a major contributor to Koh Kong’s economic development. The local population benefits from increased job opportunities, while the rise in tourism revenue enables the province to invest in infrastructure, public services, and community development projects, enhancing livelihoods and the quality of life for residents.

Cultural Tourism and Its Growing Influence on Cambodia’s Global Appeal

In addition to its eco-tourism initiatives, Cambodia is leveraging its rich cultural heritage to attract tourists from around the world. The Darasakor Coastal Tourism Festival integrates cultural tourism into the eco-tourism model, showcasing Cambodia’s history, traditions, and local festivals. By offering a mix of traditional performances, local food stalls, and craft workshops, the festival provides visitors with a well-rounded tourism experience that connects them to Cambodia’s heritage while engaging with modern tourism offerings.

The integration of cultural tourism alongside eco-tourism has led to the development of more dynamic travel experiences, encouraging tourists to explore Cambodia’s unique cultural assets and natural landscapes. This dual focus enhances Cambodia’s appeal to a broader audience, contributing to tourism diversification and creating a sustainable tourism sector that attracts long-term investment and international travelers.

Tourism’s Role in Cambodia’s Economic Growth

Tourism has become a vital economic driver for Cambodia, and the Darasakor Festival is a prime example of how events can accelerate tourism development and support economic diversification. Koh Kong province, with its beautiful coastal areas and rich natural landscapes, is quickly becoming a hub for sustainable tourism and a key part of Cambodia’s national tourism strategy.

As tourism numbers continue to rise, the local economy will continue to benefit from the growing sector, which generates significant revenue from domestic and international visitors. With Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure becoming more robust and eco-conscious, the country is positioning itself as a top destination for responsible travel in Southeast Asia.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism through Regional Collaboration

The tourism strategy behind the Darasakor Coastal Tourism Festival involves collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and tourism operators to ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability. This collaborative effort is also seen in the development of tourism policies that promote eco-friendly practices, waste management, and conservation initiatives. By aligning economic growth with sustainability, Cambodia is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development in the region. Through these efforts, Cambodia can continue to attract international visitors seeking authentic, eco-friendly travel experiences while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.

Sustainable Growth and Long-Term Tourism Impact for Cambodia

The Darasakor Coastal Tourism Festival showcases a model of how Cambodia is integrating eco-tourism with cultural tourism to enhance its position in the global travel market. The success of this festival reflects commitments by Cambodia toward sustainable tourism development, where the benefits of tourism are not only economic growth but also cultural preservation and environmental protection.

With continued approaches toward responsible travel practices and investment in tourism infrastructure, Cambodia is well-placed to become one of the leading tourism destinations in the Southeast Asia region, attracting travelers from all over the world and ensuring its tourism industry remains vital to economic growth and community development for years to come. Cambodia’s future for tourism looks bright, with eco-tourism and cultural tourism at the cornerstone of its ongoing expansion.