Tourism minister Thong Khon on July 6 presided over the official inauguration of a tourist port in Preah Sihanouk province. The minister expressed optimism that the port would energise the local tourism sector and draw a larger influx of visitors.

According to Khon, the port serves as a key tourist hotspot, ensuring both safety and order for visitors.

The new development is already making its economic contributions felt, offering employment opportunities and fostering both local and international tourism, as per the provincial administration's social media post on July 7.

Highlighting the broader socio-economic implications, the post underscored the value of cultural and nature tourism as a catalyst for macroeconomic growth, social development, and economic expansion.

In the minister's words, "The tourist sector in Cambodia had grown proudly and we considered it green gold. It played a key role in fuelling national economic growth by increasing the national revenue as well as creating jobs and improving the livelihood of people”.

Tea Vichet, the general director of GTVC Import Co, the company entrusted with an investment of around 22,000 square metres, confirmed their fleet of 20 motorboats ready to cater for tourists, according to the same social media post.

Vichet was quoted saying, "This port is also safe, fully qualified and suitable as a potential port of Preah Sihanouk province to welcome tourists of all nationalities to the islands in the province. We have 225 staff catering for tourist services”.

Kuoch Chamroeun, the Preah Sihanouk provincial governor, echoed these sentiments at the event, emphasising the port's significance as a testament to investor confidence in the Cambodian government.

He said, "This tourist port provides the people of Preah Sihanouk province with employment, joining the government in raising the living standards of the people and reducing their poverty”.