Preah Sihanouk province has set its sights on underwater tourism, as a new way to lure in national and international tourists, and open an ocean of rich biodiversity and scuba diving experiences to enthusiasts and beginners alike, according to tourism officials and experts.

The coastal ecosystems in the province offer sea beds full of diverse marine life for travellers to visit, the provincial Department of Environment said in a November 21 statement that was brightened up with colourful images of underwater flora and fauna and coastal landscapes.

These included photos of diving trips in the Koh Tang archipelago organised by the Khmer Dive Group, displaying gorgeous coral reefs and a variety of colourful fish and other sea life, as well as cook-outs, camping and other forms of merriment.

Provincial Department of Tourism director Taing Sochet Kresna told The Post that the provincial environment department and the Ministry of Environment plan to develop a number of designated areas under their jurisdiction into underwater tourism zones.

Although noting that his department is on board, he said specific development projects would be implemented by the environment agencies.

He underscored that underwater tourism is a new but very important concept for the Kingdom, especially Preah Sihanouk, which he billed as a tourism hotspot fringed by beautiful beaches.

He suggested that the province develop a wide range of tourism products onshore and offshore, especially along the seafloor, which he said boasts high commercial potential and abundant natural resources.

“Conserving biodiversity well, we’ll provide services so that visitors can visit, and make that destination more attractive. They’ll want to drop on in, unwind and stay for a long time, it’ll benefit more people in the tourism business,” Sochet Kresna said.

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents president Chhay Sivlin told The Post on November 22, that the underwater tourism products planned by the government and promoted by the wider community are precisely what the private sector aspires to incorporate into tour packages to entice holidaymakers.https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/preah-sihanouk-eyes-underwater-tourism