Cambodia will host the 12th Sea Festival (Round 4) from December 18 to 20, 2026, in Preah Sihanouk Province, bringing together government leaders, tourism stakeholders, businesses and international guests to promote the country's coastal destinations, marine conservation and blue economy. Organised under the theme “The Value of the Sea: Blue Economy Linked to the Sustainability and Biodiversity of Cambodia’s Coastal Zone,” the three-day national event will feature tourism exhibitions, cultural performances, sports competitions and environmental initiatives.
The festival will be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Tourism on October 30, 2026.
Key Facts
Event: 12th Sea Festival (Round 4)
Dates: December 18–20, 2026
Location: Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia
Theme: The Value of the Sea: Blue Economy Linked to the Sustainability and Biodiversity of Cambodia’s Coastal Zone
Presiding leaders: Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet
Organisers: Ministry of Tourism and Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration, in collaboration with relevant ministries and private-sector partners
Main focus: Coastal tourism, marine conservation, biodiversity, sustainable development and Khmer products
Preah Sihanouk to Host Three Days of National Coastal Celebrations
The Ministry of Tourism has announced that the 12th Sea Festival will take place in Preah Sihanouk Province over three days, from December 18 to 20.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the provincial administration, relevant government ministries and private-sector partners.
The festival aims to highlight the tourism potential of Cambodia's coastal regions while encouraging sustainable marine conservation, improving hospitality service quality and promoting authentic Khmer products.
The event is also expected to attract a broad range of participants, including senior government officials, members of the Senate and National Assembly, provincial and municipal representatives, tourism associations, tour operators, development partners and international guests.
Delegates from the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, foreign diplomatic missions and content creators are also expected to attend.
Blue Economy and Marine Biodiversity Take Centre Stage
The 2026 festival theme places the blue economy and coastal biodiversity at the centre of Cambodia's tourism development agenda.
The blue economy concept focuses on the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources to support economic activity while protecting ocean ecosystems.
For Cambodia, this connects tourism development with the protection of coastal environments, including marine habitats and mangrove ecosystems.
The Ministry of Tourism said the festival would promote sustainable marine conservation while highlighting the economic and tourism potential of coastal areas.
The emphasis on biodiversity also reflects the importance of maintaining natural coastal assets that support tourism, local livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
Cultural Performances, Concerts and Fireworks Planned
The Inter-Ministerial Committee has prepared a wide programme of activities for the three-day festival.
Visitors can expect cultural performances celebrating coastal traditions, mass concerts, fireworks displays and a nighttime lantern procession.
The programme will also include workshops, food competitions and photography contests, providing opportunities for local communities, businesses and visitors to participate in the celebrations.
Exhibitions will showcase achievements by government ministries, local administrations and coastal development projects.
Trade and culinary booths will also promote local products and Cambodian food, giving businesses opportunities to introduce their products to visitors.
Water Sports, Beach Activities and Traditional Competitions
Sports and recreational activities will form another major part of the festival.
The planned programme includes:
Water sports and beach sports
Kite-flying competitions
Tug-of-war competitions
Cultural and recreational activities
These activities are intended to showcase the coastal setting while encouraging public participation and highlighting opportunities for sports and leisure tourism.
Mangrove Planting and Marine Conservation Initiatives
Environmental activities will be among the festival's key features.
The programme includes a “One Tourist, One Tree” mangrove planting initiative, alongside crab and sea turtle releases.
These activities are designed to raise awareness of coastal conservation and encourage visitors to participate in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
The mangrove planting programme also connects tourism participation with environmental responsibility, reinforcing the festival's focus on sustainable coastal development.
A separate alms-offering ceremony will honour fallen heroes of the armed forces as part of the festival programme.
Opportunities for Tourism Businesses and Local Communities
The Sea Festival provides a platform for tourism operators, hospitality businesses, food producers and local communities to showcase their products and services.
Trade exhibitions and culinary booths can help local businesses reach visitors, while the expected participation of tourism associations, tour operators and international delegates creates opportunities for networking and industry engagement.
The event's focus on coastal development also offers an opportunity to promote Cambodia's seaside destinations and encourage greater attention to the country's marine and natural attractions.
However, the Ministry of Tourism's announcement does not specify visitor targets, expected tourism revenue or the number of participating businesses.
Angkor Times Analysis: Linking Coastal Tourism Growth with Environmental Protection
The 12th Sea Festival comes at a time when sustainable coastal tourism is an important consideration for Cambodia's tourism development.
Preah Sihanouk and the country's wider coastal region have tourism potential based on beaches, islands, marine ecosystems, local food and cultural experiences. Protecting these natural assets is essential to maintaining their long-term attractiveness.
The festival's focus on the blue economy is significant because it connects tourism promotion with the sustainable management of coastal resources.
Three areas will be particularly important in translating the festival's theme into lasting benefits.
First, local business participation. Trade exhibitions and culinary booths can help small businesses, food producers and tourism operators gain visibility. Stronger connections between these businesses and tour operators could extend the commercial benefits beyond the festival period.
Second, practical conservation outcomes. Mangrove planting and marine animal releases can raise public awareness, but their environmental value will depend on appropriate site selection, ecological management and follow-up monitoring.
Third, hospitality service quality. Sustainable tourism requires more than attracting visitors. Reliable services, environmental standards, visitor safety and responsible business practices are also important to building a competitive coastal destination.
The festival provides a national platform to promote these priorities. Its longer-term success, however, will depend on whether the activities help generate continued investment, stronger local participation and measurable improvements in coastal conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Cambodia's 12th Sea Festival take place?
The festival is scheduled for December 18–20, 2026.
Where will the 2026 Sea Festival be held?
It will take place in Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia.
What is the theme of the 12th Sea Festival?
The theme is “The Value of the Sea: Blue Economy Linked to the Sustainability and Biodiversity of Cambodia’s Coastal Zone.”
Who will preside over the festival?
Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet will preside over the national event.
What activities are planned?
Activities include cultural performances, concerts, fireworks, a lantern procession, workshops, food competitions, photography contests, exhibitions, water and beach sports, kite-flying competitions and tug-of-war.
What environmental activities will be organised?
The programme includes the “One Tourist, One Tree” mangrove planting initiative, as well as crab and sea turtle releases.
Who is organising the Sea Festival?
The Ministry of Tourism is organising the event in collaboration with the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration, relevant ministries and private-sector partners.