Sihanoukville faced significant challenges in recent years due to the 2019 ban on online gambling and the pandemic, which led to the abandonment of nearly 400 construction projects by foreign investors. However, recent developments suggest positive signs for the coastal city.
Recently, Deputy Governor Long Dimanche of Preah Sihanouk province revealed that the stalled buildings in Sihanoukville have attracted the attention of both local and international investors. The comprehensive package aims to address the crisis caused by abandoned construction and instils investment confidence and market demand in the coastal city
According to the Preak Sihanouk administration, many of the unfinished buildings were originally planned for accommodations and offices. Those buildings could be repurposed once agreements are reached between developers and landowners. Interest from investors displays positive signs of solving the stalled construction in the city.
In addition, to bolster the city's tourism industry, two world-class hotels are set to open in Sihanoukville in the fourth quarter of 2023. It was recently reported that the Preah Sihanouk Administration met with the General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeetra and the future General Manager of Novotel. The addition of two world-class hotels expressing interest in investing signals a positive outlook for the city's hospitality sector. Such renowned hotels are important for tourism in the city as they provide high-quality accommodations and services, attracting a diverse range of travellers. These hotels enhance the city's hospitality infrastructure and aim to elevate Sihanoukville as a desirable destination.
Currently, Sihanoukville is experiencing improvement with the recent inauguration of the Sihanoukville Tourism Port, which is expected to have a significant impact on the city's tourism industry. The port will facilitate daily shuttle ferries to numerous islands, including renowned ones like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, capable of accommodating up to 20 small and large tourist boats simultaneously. This facility will provide tourists with a convenient gateway to these islands, thereby attracting more visitors to the city.
The completion of the Phnom Penh Sihanoukville Expressway has significantly improved accessibility for domestic tourists travelling from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. Reducing travel time from six to just 2.5 hours has made Sihanoukville a more appealing destination for weekend getaways and short vacations. During the first weekend of July, several provinces in Cambodia witnessed a substantial influx of visitors, with approximately 61,380 individuals visiting Preah Sihanouk province, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism.
Despite the challenges posed by abandoned constructions left by foreign investors in the aftermath of the online gambling ban and the pandemic, Sihanoukville is displaying signs of recovery. The government's measures, coupled with the interest of local and international investors, promise to regain Sihanoukville its status as a sought-after destination on Cambodia's coastline.
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