AKP reported on May 11, 2026, citing the Ministry of Tourism, that the 12th Cambodian Sea Festival was scheduled for December 18–20, 2026, in Preah Sihanouk province. Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife Pich Chanmony were expected to preside over the official opening. The original report referred to the effect of the 2025 border situation on the previous event; AKP also reported that the 2025 celebration had been postponed. The December arrangements were future plans at the time.
Archive image: the 2022 Sea Festival in Preah Sihanouk, not the 2026 event.
The event’s theme concerned links between the blue economy and coastal biodiversity.The original report described planned seafood exhibitions, cultural performances and sporting events, intended to showcase local tourism and encourage marine conservation. The report did not provide a full detailed programme.
AKP said the festival had rotated among Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong and Kampot since 2011 to promote coastal tourism and participation in protecting marine resources and beaches. The original report expected benefits for hotels, retailers and restaurants and projected thousands of domestic and international visitors. Those were expectations, not measured visitor numbers or realised business growth.
