Background
The Ministry of Tourism officially launched the Guidelines on the Preparation of Provincial and Municipal Tourism Development Plans and Performance Evaluation on 2 July 2026. The Guidelines define procedures for planning, monitoring, supervision, evaluation, and consolidation of implementation achievements for provincial and municipal tourism development plans.
The launch followed an end-term evaluation of the 2021–2025 provincial and municipal tourism development plans and was presented at a dissemination workshop attended by directors of the Tourism Departments of all 25 capital and provinces alongside deputy governors, private-sector representatives, development partners, and roughly 300 participants. The document is positioned as a reference to inform strategic directions and to support preparation of the next phase of tourism development plans for capitals and provinces.
Scope of Application
The Guidelines apply to provincial and municipal administrations and to the provincial/municipal tourism departments across all 25 capitals and provinces. The Ministry of Tourism framed the Guidelines as the standard reference for preparation, monitoring, supervision, evaluation, and consolidation of outcomes from local tourism development plans.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The Ministry recommended that sub-national administrations implement the Guidelines with a strong sense of responsibility and that tourism departments strengthen destination promotion, develop destination branding, create storytelling narratives, and identify provincial or regional signature dishes. The Minister also announced the launch of an “Outstanding Tourism Department” competition to recognise excellence in implementing the 2026–2030 tourism development plan.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Provincial and municipal tourism offices will use the Guidelines as the operational basis for planning and reporting on local tourism development, which establishes a common framework for coordination with private-sector partners and development agencies. Businesses involved in destination marketing, hospitality, and local product development can expect clearer subnational planning priorities—such as branding and signature-product promotion—to guide partnership and marketing activities.
Official Source
Ministry of Tourism headquarters statement, morning of 2 July 2026. Original source: Ministry of Tourism Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/cambodia.tourism.ministry/posts/pfbid05GW2vQfXikbzNh9DqGS69d6HAXSAvbSkSeS26pjU8LHMrbLJBfAqQFmzcVPfUpuhl
