Battambang Tourism Operators Told to Put Child Safety First

PHNOM PENH — Sept. 29, 2026: Tourism operators in Battambang province have been urged to prioritise child protection, as the Ministry of Tourism rolled out its "Child Safety in the Tourism Sector" message at a provincial meeting.

The session was held Tuesday at the Battambang Provincial Department of Tourism, presided over by H.E. Mrs. Huot Sinoun, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism and Deputy Chair of the Committee on Child Safety in the Tourism Sector, representing Minister Huot Hak, with H.E. Chhay Mathinal, Deputy Governor in charge of tourism.

Those attending included ministry officials, provincial tourism department staff, representatives of provincial departments and units, tourism police, youth federation members and local tourism operators.

The meeting aimed to raise awareness of child protection from abuse and sexual exploitation in tourism and to promote ethics and protection mechanisms for a safe, responsible sector.

Presentations were delivered by Mr. Uch Oumphinissara, Director of the Battambang Provincial Department of Tourism, and Mr. Putrea Sophannara, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Tourism's Department of Tourism Professional Training, followed by discussion.


H.E. Chhay Mathinal pointed to ongoing tourism development projects in Battambang and called on authorities and operators to make child safety a high priority, so the province becomes a safe and welcoming destination.

H.E. Mrs. Huot Sinoun described children as a vital human resource, noting that the Royal Government under the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 places "people" at the centre of its agenda. The Ministry of Tourism, she said, has adopted educational and administrative measures to prevent and curb negative practices and to keep Cambodia's tourism environment safe, responsible and attractive.

Source: Battambang Provincial Department of Tourism


Reported by The Khmer Daily Network