The Battambang province attracted approximately 2,315,126 local tourists and 256,561 international tourists during the last five years, a press release of the Ministry of Information (MoI) said.

During a trip on Saturday under the theme ‘Training and site visit to journalists and local information officers of all the province along Thailand border and Battambang’, Chuon Chan Phearun, Deputy Director General of Information and Audiovisual, said, “Battambang was once the most beautiful provinces and has the second largest area after Phnom Penh city.”

Phearun said Battambang is known for its rich culture, historical location and rapid infrastructure development.

Since the province is located in a strategic location, it is also a popular destination for tourists as well. Despite all the beauty and attractiveness, the province has been overlooked by local journalists and reporters.

A similar project has been conducted with the provinces along the Vietnam border for Kampot province, he added.

The major events that attracted tourists were the 6th River Festival in 2020, Khmer New Year, Water Festival, Floating Lanterns Festival, and New Year celebration day.

Soeum Bunrith, Deputy Governor of Battambang province, said, “The province has about 46 hotels and 97 guest houses, equal to a total of 3,153 rooms. Besides, it also has 191 restaurants and four tourism communities such as Prek Toal in Ek Phnom district, cultural tourism community in Wat Kor village, Ta Taok O Krouch village and Ou Choam Waterfall in Samlout district.”

Speaking with Khmer Times, Neb Samouth, said, “The government of Cambodia aims to promote Battambang province to become the second largest city to attract international tourists after Siem Reap province through the development of infrastructure in the historical area, fishing tourism area, and film tourism project.”