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• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
“Angkor to Arts Corridor” - Cambodia Tourism Board and Phare Partner in Contribution to Redefine Cambodia as a Global Contemporary Arts Destination
BATTAMBANG, Cambodia — The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) and Phare Ponleu Selpak, a Guinness World Record holder, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership for the 13th edition of the Tini Tinou International Circus Festival, taking place in November 2026, in Siem Reap (Top 25 global destination for 2026) and Battambang (UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy). This collaboration, supported by the CTB Matching Grant on Overseas Promotion of Events, focuses on a shared vision: positioning Cambodia as a premier cultural hub and driving high-value international tourism through the performing arts among international travellers.
Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.
The partnership aims to transcend traditional tourism narratives by showcasing the
“Angkor to Arts Corridor,” moving beyond the historical temples of Angkor to highlight
Cambodia as a living, contemporary creative destination. By elevating the profile of Tini Tinou—ASEAN’s only biennial international circus festival—the initiative seeks to attract "conscious travellers" and cultural tourists from priority global markets.
Tini Tinou, which means “here and there” in Khmer, is a vital platform for artistic excellence and cultural exchange. Originally launched in 2004, the festival has evolved under the leadership of Phare Ponleu Selpak into a major event that brings together professional troupes from across the globe to perform in the historic streets and venues of Siem Reap and Battambang.
The festival's significant impact was demonstrated during its 12th edition in 2024, which brought together 117 circus artists and troupes from 10 different countries— including Vietnam, Laos PDR, Taiwan, France, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Cambodia—reaching over 14,000 attendees and generating a massive online reach of more than 14 million views. The upcoming 13th edition is expected to continue this momentum, featuring over 100 artists and troupes from more than 10 countries.
Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.
H.E. Kim Minea, Chief Executive Officer of the Cambodia Tourism Board, said: "The Cambodia Tourism Board is proud to partner with Phare Ponleu Selpak through this B2B2C partnership model to promote one of Cambodia's leading arts and cultural festivals as a diversified product to the international stage.
Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.
Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.
Like many outstanding events in Cambodia, the Tini Tinou International Circus Festival offers a truly unique cultural experience for international travellers. However, it has yet to receive the international awareness and recognition it deserves. Through the Matching Grant Program, we are supporting Phare Ponleu Selpak in strengthening their overseas marketing, increasing global visibility, and engaging international travellers earlier in their travel planning.
This partnership reflects our vision of showcasing Cambodia not only as a destination for iconic heritage and landmark attractions, but also as a place where contemporary arts, culture, and creativity thrive. It also contributes to positioning Cambodia as an allyear-round destination, offering meaningful experiences throughout the year across three distinct pillars: Culture, Nature & Coast, and City Vibe. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience Cambodia's vibrant living culture through worldclass events such as Tini Tinou."
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Osman Khawaja, Executive Director of Phare Ponleu Selpak: “Receiving this grant from the Cambodia Tourism Board is a significant milestone for our association and for the arts in Cambodia. This partnership validates the social and cultural value Phare has built over decades. The grant is a vital catalyst that allows us to tell our story of art, resilience, and empowerment to a much broader global audience, ensuring that travellers visit Cambodia not only for its ancient temples but for its vibrant, modern creative spirit”.
“The CTB Matching Grant is a powerful catalyst that allows us to share the absolute best of Cambodia’s living culture with the world,” stated Mr. KHUON Chanreaksmey, Director of Project of Phare Ponleu Selpak. “Tini Tinou 2026 isn't just an event; it is an international gateway to Cambodia’s modern creative soul. By bringing world-class contemporary circus to global audiences, we are contributing to amplifying what it means to experience Cambodia—proving that our nation is as much about vibrant, living artistic expression today as it is about our historic ancient heritage.” Strategic Impact on National Tourism:
• The "Angkor to Arts Corridor": The festival contributes to position Cambodia as a living, contemporary arts destination beyond the temples of Angkor Wat.
• Strategic Timing: The event is positioned immediately after the Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap and during the Water Festival in Battambang, capturing high-profile international and domestic audiences already in-country.
• Regional Leadership: This year, the festival will host the Circus Asia Network AGM, further establishing Cambodia as a regional hub for contemporary circus and attracting global cultural leaders.
• Community and Cultural Exchange: The festival will activate pub lic spaces in Siem Reap and Battambang through street parades and pop-up performances, connecting art with everyday life and creating inclusive, joyful experiences for both international visitors and local residents.
“We are fully committed to making the 13th edition of Tini Tinou our most impactful yet. With CTB’s support, we are scaling our international marketing strategy to reach a digital audience of over 15 million views. This festival is designed to be a major driver for the tourism sector, encouraging 'conscious travellers' to extend their stays and explore the cultural corridor from Siem Reap to Battambang.” said Mr. Ponlork VAN, Marketing & Communications Manager, Phare Ponleu Selpak.
SAVE THE DATE: Tini Tinou International Circus Festival 2026
Join us for the 13th edition of Cambodia’s premier biennial arts celebration, showcasing the best of contemporary circus from ASEAN and across the globe. Siem Reap Segment: November 17–19, 2026
• Locations: Performances at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, and pop-up acts at iconic city locations including Pub Street and the Royal Garden. Battambang Segment: November 21–24, 2026
• Locations: Hosted at the historic Phare Ponleu Selpak campus and throughout Battambang city.
What to Expect:
• World-Class Performance: 100+ artists from over 10 countries showcasing professional big-top shows.
• Regional Leadership: Cambodia will host the Circus Asia Network AGM, gathering global cultural leaders and decision-makers.
• Interactive Arts: Engaging workshops, artist talks, and inclusive activities for families and "conscious travellers" alike.
For festival updates, schedules, and ticket information, please visit www.tinitinou.com or our social media: Tini Tinou International Circus Festival.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.The partnership aims to transcend traditional tourism narratives by showcasing the
“Angkor to Arts Corridor,” moving beyond the historical temples of Angkor to highlight
Cambodia as a living, contemporary creative destination. By elevating the profile of Tini Tinou—ASEAN’s only biennial international circus festival—the initiative seeks to attract "conscious travellers" and cultural tourists from priority global markets.
Tini Tinou, which means “here and there” in Khmer, is a vital platform for artistic excellence and cultural exchange. Originally launched in 2004, the festival has evolved under the leadership of Phare Ponleu Selpak into a major event that brings together professional troupes from across the globe to perform in the historic streets and venues of Siem Reap and Battambang.
The festival's significant impact was demonstrated during its 12th edition in 2024, which brought together 117 circus artists and troupes from 10 different countries— including Vietnam, Laos PDR, Taiwan, France, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Cambodia—reaching over 14,000 attendees and generating a massive online reach of more than 14 million views. The upcoming 13th edition is expected to continue this momentum, featuring over 100 artists and troupes from more than 10 countries.
Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.H.E. Kim Minea, Chief Executive Officer of the Cambodia Tourism Board, said: "The Cambodia Tourism Board is proud to partner with Phare Ponleu Selpak through this B2B2C partnership model to promote one of Cambodia's leading arts and cultural festivals as a diversified product to the international stage.
Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.Signing Ceremony in Battambang, 3rd August 2026.Like many outstanding events in Cambodia, the Tini Tinou International Circus Festival offers a truly unique cultural experience for international travellers. However, it has yet to receive the international awareness and recognition it deserves. Through the Matching Grant Program, we are supporting Phare Ponleu Selpak in strengthening their overseas marketing, increasing global visibility, and engaging international travellers earlier in their travel planning.
This partnership reflects our vision of showcasing Cambodia not only as a destination for iconic heritage and landmark attractions, but also as a place where contemporary arts, culture, and creativity thrive. It also contributes to positioning Cambodia as an allyear-round destination, offering meaningful experiences throughout the year across three distinct pillars: Culture, Nature & Coast, and City Vibe. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience Cambodia's vibrant living culture through worldclass events such as Tini Tinou."
Images-Content-1050Osman Khawaja, Executive Director of Phare Ponleu Selpak: “Receiving this grant from the Cambodia Tourism Board is a significant milestone for our association and for the arts in Cambodia. This partnership validates the social and cultural value Phare has built over decades. The grant is a vital catalyst that allows us to tell our story of art, resilience, and empowerment to a much broader global audience, ensuring that travellers visit Cambodia not only for its ancient temples but for its vibrant, modern creative spirit”.
“The CTB Matching Grant is a powerful catalyst that allows us to share the absolute best of Cambodia’s living culture with the world,” stated Mr. KHUON Chanreaksmey, Director of Project of Phare Ponleu Selpak. “Tini Tinou 2026 isn't just an event; it is an international gateway to Cambodia’s modern creative soul. By bringing world-class contemporary circus to global audiences, we are contributing to amplifying what it means to experience Cambodia—proving that our nation is as much about vibrant, living artistic expression today as it is about our historic ancient heritage.” Strategic Impact on National Tourism:
• The "Angkor to Arts Corridor": The festival contributes to position Cambodia as a living, contemporary arts destination beyond the temples of Angkor Wat.
• Strategic Timing: The event is positioned immediately after the Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap and during the Water Festival in Battambang, capturing high-profile international and domestic audiences already in-country.
• Regional Leadership: This year, the festival will host the Circus Asia Network AGM, further establishing Cambodia as a regional hub for contemporary circus and attracting global cultural leaders.
• Community and Cultural Exchange: The festival will activate pub lic spaces in Siem Reap and Battambang through street parades and pop-up performances, connecting art with everyday life and creating inclusive, joyful experiences for both international visitors and local residents.
“We are fully committed to making the 13th edition of Tini Tinou our most impactful yet. With CTB’s support, we are scaling our international marketing strategy to reach a digital audience of over 15 million views. This festival is designed to be a major driver for the tourism sector, encouraging 'conscious travellers' to extend their stays and explore the cultural corridor from Siem Reap to Battambang.” said Mr. Ponlork VAN, Marketing & Communications Manager, Phare Ponleu Selpak.
SAVE THE DATE: Tini Tinou International Circus Festival 2026
Join us for the 13th edition of Cambodia’s premier biennial arts celebration, showcasing the best of contemporary circus from ASEAN and across the globe. Siem Reap Segment: November 17–19, 2026
• Locations: Performances at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, and pop-up acts at iconic city locations including Pub Street and the Royal Garden. Battambang Segment: November 21–24, 2026
• Locations: Hosted at the historic Phare Ponleu Selpak campus and throughout Battambang city.
What to Expect:
• World-Class Performance: 100+ artists from over 10 countries showcasing professional big-top shows.
• Regional Leadership: Cambodia will host the Circus Asia Network AGM, gathering global cultural leaders and decision-makers.
• Interactive Arts: Engaging workshops, artist talks, and inclusive activities for families and "conscious travellers" alike.
For festival updates, schedules, and ticket information, please visit www.tinitinou.com or our social media: Tini Tinou International Circus Festival.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network