AKP Phnom Penh, July 31, 2026 --

Cambodia is actively preparing to launch pilot projects for nighttime temple visits and promote film tourism as a Soft Power strategy to diversify tourism products, attract more international visitors and enhance the Kingdom’s global tourism profile.

The initiative was highlighted by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on the Support and Coordination of Film Tourism and Nighttime Temple Visits, during a meeting held at the Ministry on July 29.

The meeting brought together about 60 representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (CTB) and the private sector to discuss strategic directions for developing new tourism products.

H.E. Huot Hak instructed the working group to select one or two temples to launch a pilot nighttime tourism project in the near future. He also encouraged the development of complementary nighttime activities to attract visitors and encourage longer stays.

The Ministry of Tourism will also soon launch nighttime tourism services at the Bakong “My Village” Community as a model for expansion to other tourism communities, with the initiative expected to generate direct economic benefits for local residents.

Meanwhile, Cambodia is seeking to further develop film tourism by attracting international productions and using films to showcase the country's cultural heritage, landscapes and tourism destinations to global audiences. Cambodia has previously served as a filming location for internationally acclaimed productions such as Tomb Raider, Two Brothers, First They Killed My Father, In the Mood for Love and The Sea Wall, as well as commercial shoots for luxury brands including STEFANO RICCI and Louis Vuitton.

The Ministry has also supported tourism-related film productions, including a film featuring Kazakhstani visitors to Cambodia, which was premiered in Kazakhstan. In addition, a new short film featuring renowned South Korean and Cambodian actors and filmed at key destinations across Cambodia is scheduled to be launched soon.

By C. Nika