AKP Phnom Penh, March 11, 2026 --

The organisation of the 10th River Festival in Kratie province will provide an important opportunity to showcase Cambodia’s river-based tourism potential and attract both national and international visitors, contributing to local economic development.

The remarks were made by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Organisation of the 10th River Festival 2026, during a preparatory meeting held at the Ministry of Tourism on Mar. 10.

According to the Ministry, the meeting reviewed reports from heads of sub-committees and the secretariat on the comprehensive preparations for the festival. Discussions focused on key aspects including the event programme, venues, exhibition booths, artistic performances, cultural and religious activities, sports events, humanitarian initiatives, seminars, arrangements for public order and security, and measures to enhance the quality of tourism services.

These preparations aim to ensure the festival will be organised smoothly and successfully in the spirit of unity and tourism connectivity.

Held under the theme “Green River, Great Cultural and Natural Heritage,” the River Festival 2026 is scheduled to take place from Mar. 27 to 29. This will be the second time Kratie province has hosted the annual event.

The festival will also serve as a platform to raise public awareness and encourage greater participation in the sustainable development and conservation of river resources.

The River Festival is organised annually on a rotational basis among provinces located along major rivers. The first festival was held in Kratie in 2015, followed by Stung Treng, Kampong Cham and Thbong Khmum, Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Battambang, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and Takeo.

Last year’s three-day River Festival in Takeo province attracted 358,994 local and international visitors.

By C. Nika