Cambodia has established an inter-ministerial task force to promote film tourism and nighttime temple visits as part of a broader strategy to diversify its tourism sector and revive international arrivals, the Phnom Penh Post reported.
The new body, created under a government decision issued on June 16, is chaired by Tourism Minister Hout Hak and comprises six vice-chairpersons representing the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Office of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Tourism, among other agencies.
According to the Phnom Penh Post, the task force has been mandated to formulate strategic and action plans for developing film tourism and expanding nighttime temple tourism, while overseeing the implementation of these initiatives.
It will coordinate with government institutions, private businesses and other stakeholders involved in producing tourism-related films, music videos, commercial advertisements and nighttime temple programmes to promote Cambodia's tourism industry and strengthen the country's global image.
The task force will also identify potential filming locations, examine incentive mechanisms to encourage domestic and international film production, develop strategies to attract foreign filmmakers, and coordinate the expansion of evening tourism activities at the country's temples.
Authorities hope the initiatives will encourage visitors to stay longer by offering new cultural, artistic, religious and entertainment experiences after dark. Regular progress reports will be submitted to Prime Minister Hun Manet through the Office of the Council of Ministers.
The move comes as Cambodia's tourism industry struggles to recover amid geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed 1.54 million international visitors during the first five months of 2026, down 47.8 percent from 2.95 million during the same period last year, the Phnom Penh Postreported.
Speaking to the newspaper on June 26, Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter, welcomed the new initiatives but stressed that stronger law enforcement, improved public security and broader tourism diversification were also essential.
He said destinations beyond the Angkor temple complex, including Phnom Kulen National Park and traditional villages in Siem Reap, should receive greater promotion.
Sinan also called for expanded international marketing efforts, describing nighttime temple tours as an attractive new tourism product.
The initiative coincides with Cambodia's four-month visa-free trial for Chinese tourists, a measure aimed at boosting arrivals from one of its key tourism markets.