Cambodia’s 2026 Coastal Green Season celebration in Kampot attracted approximately 100,000 visitors over three days, highlighting the growing role of domestic tourism in supporting local businesses and coastal destinations during the low season.
Held from October 2 to 4 under the theme “The Potential of Gastronomy Tourism and the Beauty of the Coastal Region During the Green Season,” the event brought together local residents and tourists for a programme promoting Kampot and Cambodia’s coastal tourism potential.
Key Facts
| About the Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 Coastal Green Season celebration |
| Location | Kampot province |
| Dates | October 2-4, 2026 |
| Visitors | Approximately 100,000 |
| Theme | Potential of Gastronomy Tourism and Beauty of the Coastal Region During the Green Season |
| Closing ceremony | October 4 |
| Closing ceremony participants | More than 1,000 |
| Kampot tourism destinations | 42 resorts, tourism communities and other destinations |
| Final Green Season event | Phnom Penh, late October or early November |
100,000 visitors gather in Kampot
The large turnout reflected strong interest from both Cambodian residents and tourists, according to the Kampot Provincial Tourism Department.
The event’s closing ceremony was presided over by Tourism Minister Huot Hak and attended by more than 1,000 participants, including Kampot Provincial Council Chairman Tak Hab, Kampot Governor Mao Thonin, tourism officials, tourism operators, private-sector representatives, tourism associations, local communities, sponsors and content creators.
The event was designed to promote domestic tourism while showcasing Cambodia as a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors.
Green Season becomes a tourism strategy
Huot Hak said promoting the Green Season represents more than changing the name of Cambodia’s traditional low-tourism period.
He described it as a shift in mindset and part of a national strategy to encourage visitors to experience Cambodia when its landscapes are particularly lush and vibrant.
The minister highlighted Cambodia’s greenery, fresh air and natural scenery as attractions that can create different tourism experiences during the season.
He said Green Season tourism events are intended to stimulate travel while demonstrating the country’s tourism potential during a period traditionally associated with lower visitor activity.
Gastronomy and coastal tourism take centre stage
The Kampot event placed gastronomy tourism alongside the natural attractions of Cambodia’s coastal region.
The combination provides an opportunity for visitors to experience local food, destinations and community activities while supporting businesses operating across the tourism supply chain.
Kampot Governor Mao Thonin called on tourism operators and businesses to work together to further promote the province’s reputation and tourism potential.
According to the provincial administration, Kampot currently has 42 tourist resorts, tourism communities and other tourism destinations.
Campaign moves back to Phnom Penh
Kampot served as the main hub for the Green Season campaign covering Cambodia’s coastal provinces.
Following the Kampot event, the 2026 Green Season tourism campaign is scheduled to conclude with a final grand event in Phnom Penh in late October or early November.
Angkor Times Analysis
The approximately 100,000 visitors recorded during the three-day Kampot event demonstrate the potential of domestic tourism to generate activity during Cambodia’s Green Season.
For local businesses, a major event can create demand across accommodation, restaurants, transportation, attractions and community tourism. The emphasis on gastronomy also gives Kampot an opportunity to connect tourism spending with local food producers and businesses.
The broader Green Season strategy is significant because it seeks to reposition the traditionally quieter period as a time to travel, rather than simply treating it as an off-season. The challenge for Cambodia will be maintaining visitor interest beyond major events and converting seasonal tourism into sustained demand for destinations and local businesses.
FAQs
How many visitors attended the Kampot Green Season event?
Approximately 100,000 people attended the three-day event from October 2 to 4, 2026.
What was the theme of the event?
The theme was “The Potential of Gastronomy Tourism and the Beauty of the Coastal Region During the Green Season.”
Why is Cambodia promoting Green Season tourism?
The campaign aims to stimulate tourism during the traditionally quieter season and highlight Cambodia’s natural beauty and tourism opportunities during this period.
How many tourism destinations does Kampot currently have?
According to the source, Kampot has 42 tourist resorts, tourism communities and other attractive destinations.
Where will the 2026 Green Season campaign conclude?
The final grand closing event is planned for Phnom Penh in late October or early November.