(Phnom Penh): On 25 June 2026, Minister of Tourism Hout Hak presided over the final consultation workshop on Kampot City's nomination for membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Gastronomy.

The workshop brought together more than 200 participants, including UNESCO Representative to Cambodia Flavio Bonetti, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Pen Monymakara, Kampot Governor Mao Thonin, representatives from the Kampot Provincial Administration and relevant institutions, delegates from Battambang, Mondulkiri and Ratanakkiri provinces, private sector representatives, and experts.

Speaking at the event, the minister emphasized that the workshop was not merely a technical consultation platform, but also a significant event demonstrating Cambodia’s collective commitment to promoting cultural values, creativity, and local identity for international recognition.

The minister expressed his sincere appreciation to UNESCO Cambodia, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Kampot Provincial Administration, the technical working groups of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and all relevant stakeholders for their close collaboration in preparing the nomination dossier. He also commended the people of Kampot, including artisans, entrepreneurs, producers, and chefs, for their contributions to preserving and developing the province’s cultural and culinary heritage.

Minister Huot Hak highlighted that Kampot possesses abundant potential, including natural resources, breathtaking landscapes, French colonial architectural heritage, and renowned agri-tourism products bearing Geographical Indication (GI) status and international recognition, such as Kampot Pepper, Kampot Salt and Salt Flower, Kampot Fish Sauce, Kampot Durian, and fresh seafood. These valuable assets provide a strong foundation for developing Kampot as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

At the same time, he noted that modern tourism is no longer focused solely on sightseeing. Today’s travellers seek authentic experiences through culture, gastronomy, arts, music, and local lifestyles. Therefore, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Gastronomy would serve as a strategic platform to attract investment, enhance competitiveness, and promote sustainable development.

The minister also encouraged other cities and provinces across Cambodia to conduct research, identify, explore, and showcase their unique cultural, culinary, and creative assets, in preparation for future participation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Expressing confidence in Kampot's bid, Hout Hak said close cooperation among all stakeholders would help position the city as a leading tourism destination while promoting Cambodian gastronomy, creativity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development on the global stage.

Cambodia's first UNESCO Creative City designation was awarded to Battambang in 2023, highlighting the country's growing international recognition for its rich cultural heritage and creative industries.
=FRESH NEWS