World Walking Day in Kampong Cham Promotes its Peaceful Image and Eco-Tourism Growth in Cambodia

The World Walking Day celebration on October 5, 2025, with the theme ‘Walk for Peace’, attracted more than 6,000 walkers to the picturesque riverside of Kampong Cham, further cementing Cambodia’s image of peace while also advancing the region’s appeal as a tourist destination. The festival, held to celebrate the value of peace and showcase the tourism potential of the province, was a great example of how Kampong Cham is making itself a viable destination for the Green Season. With natural scenery, cultural wealth, and a focus on environmentally friendly tourism, this festival is an integral step toward making Kampong Cham a bigger player in Cambodia’s tourism industry.

A Gathering of Unity and Peace for Cambodia’s Tourism Vision

The World Walking Day celebration was presided over by Huot Hak, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, and Un Chanda, the Governor of Kampong Cham Provincial Administration. Both leaders emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and harmony—the essential elements that have supported the rapid development of the nation’s tourism industry.

The event took place against the picturesque riverside of Kampong Cham, offering a stunning natural backdrop for the walk. Participants included dignitaries, 250 monks, Neak Oknhas, students, locals, and international guests, all coming together to celebrate not just the beauty of Cambodia but its peaceful existence. The festive atmosphere reflected the harmony of the gathering, where spirituality, culture, and physical well-being converged.

Honoring Peace as the Foundation of Cambodia’s Progress

In his speech, Minister Huot Hak underscored the importance of peace as the most valuable asset for Cambodia, likening it to oxygen, something vital and indispensable for the nation’s growth. He paid tribute to the legacy of Senate President Hun Sen, acknowledging him as the “Supreme Architect” of Cambodia’s Win-Win Policy, which has brought long-lasting peace and stability to the Kingdom. He also highlighted the role of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership in nurturing and preserving this hard-won peace, praising his decisive, pragmatic, and capable approach to governance.

Hak’s remarks also focused on the broader theme of peace tourism, highlighting how Cambodia’s commitment to peace plays a significant role in attracting international visitors. The country’s peaceful environment fosters a welcoming atmosphere for tourists, making Cambodia a safe and attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

How Sports Tourism is Shaping Cambodia’s Future

The World Walking Day event also highlighted the growing role of sports tourism in Cambodia’s tourism strategy. Minister Hak noted that sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry, capable of diversifying Cambodia’s offerings to international and domestic visitors. By incorporating sports into tourism activities, Cambodia is not just appealing to tourists interested in cultural or historical experiences but also to those seeking physical activities in scenic locations.

Sports tourism also offers an opportunity for Cambodia to tap into international markets, where wellness and fitness tourism are increasingly popular. Events like World Walking Day help to create new tourism products, which not only attract visitors but also foster local pride and engagement. They generate new revenue streams for the local economy while enhancing the country’s image as a destination that blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Kampong Cham’s Growing Appeal for Eco and Community-Based Tourism

Kampong Cham is gaining recognition for its growing eco-tourism and community-based tourism offerings, positioning the province as a peaceful and sustainable alternative to more urban destinations like Phnom Penh. With its blend of tranquil landscapes, historical sites, and proximity to nature, Kampong Cham is appealing to tourists seeking authentic, eco-friendly travel experiences.

The province’s Green Season—a period marked by lush greenery and cooler weather—is a perfect time for tourists to explore the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can engage in outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and nature walks, while also enjoying cultural experiences like visiting traditional villages, local markets, and historical monuments. The rise of community-based tourism allows travelers to engage with local communities, learning about their traditions, crafts, and way of life, further enriching the travel experience.

Moreover, Kampong Cham’s proximity to Phnom Penh makes it an easy getaway for both local and international tourists seeking a respite from the bustling capital. By offering a mix of cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and spiritual tourism, the province is positioning itself as an ideal destination for travelers looking for more intimate, sustainable, and enriching experiences.

Promoting Regional Tourism and Economic Growth

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) continues to focus on enhancing regional tourism, encouraging visitors to explore Cambodia beyond its famous attractions in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The celebration of World Walking Day is one of many initiatives aimed at driving tourists to explore the Green Season, a time that traditionally sees fewer visitors to Cambodia.

These regional tourism efforts are aligned with the broader goal of stimulating economic growth through tourism development in Cambodia’s provinces. By organizing events that showcase local culture, natural beauty, and community-based tourism, the Ministry of Tourism is helping provinces like Kampong Cham attract a wider audience. In turn, this creates new opportunities for local businesses, job creation, and infrastructure development.

As sports tourism continues to rise globally, events like World Walking Day not only benefit the local economy by bringing in more tourists but also raise Cambodia’s profile as a multi-faceted tourism destination. By diversifying its tourism products, Cambodia aims to capture more market segments, from those interested in adventure tourism to those seeking peaceful retreats and cultural immersion.

Peace as the Cornerstone of Cambodia’s Tourism Growth

The peace message presented through World Walking Day is the key to Cambodia’s continued success as a tourist destination. Peace commitment means that tourists can visit knowing that they are in a secure and stable setting, which is paramount for tourism industry long-term development. As Kampong Cham becomes a destination for eco-tourism, sports tourism, and community-based tourism, the event only underscored the peace imperative in ensuring a thriving tourism industry.

Through the continued marketing of Cambodia’s tranquil reputation and various tourism opportunities, the Ministry of Tourism is driving efforts to make Kampong Cham, as well as other destinations in the region, not only alternatives but preferred sites for tourists looking for genuine and tranquil experiences. The success of World Walking Day highlights the capabilities of peaceful tourism to promote economic growth and deliver sustainable benefits to local communities throughout Cambodia.