旅游部推动宗教旅游发展 挖掘寺庙文化潜力

Tourism and Religion Are Closely Interconnected: Pagodas and Sacred Sites Are Not Only Places of Worship and Faith, but Also Tourism Destinations Reflecting Cambodia’s History, Architecture, Arts, Culture, and National Identity H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism, and Lok Chumteav SONG Thida, Honorary President of the Cambodia Women’s Association for Peace and Development of the Ministry of Tourism, together with the Ministry’s leadership and members of the Women’s Association, participated in the “Study Visit of the Cambodia Women’s Association for Peace and Development of the Ministry of Tourism” at Nigrodhavan Pagoda, commonly known as Wat Koul Toteung. The study visit featured a meditation session and Buddhist teachings led by Samdech Preah Uddom Vongsa Dr. Kou Sopheap, Deputy Chief Monk of Nigrodhavan (Koul Toteung) Pagoda. The event was also attended by Lok Chumteavs, ladies, leaders and members of the Ministry of Tourism’s Women’s Association, representatives of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), representatives of the Cambodia Tourism Federation (CTF), as well as content creators and influencers, totaling approximately 250 participants. This meaningful study visit was organized to provide members with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the values and teachings of Buddhism, listen to Dhamma teachings, and apply Buddhist principles to their daily lives and professional responsibilities. It also provided an opportunity for participants to come together to perform meritorious deeds, cultivate virtue, and further strengthen solidarity, internal unity, and cooperation within their respective organizations and institutions. Speaking on this auspicious occasion, H.E. the Minister expressed his deepest gratitude and profound respect to Samdech Preah Uddom Vongsa Dr. Kou Sopheap, the venerable senior monks, and all members of the Sangha for graciously receiving the delegation, participating in the program, and bestowing valuable Dhamma teachings and Buddhist guidance upon the delegation of the Ministry of Tourism’s Women’s Association. H.E. the Minister also expressed his profound appreciation and gratitude to Venerable Dr. Kou Sopheap, who has consistently provided valuable Dhamma teachings to Buddhist devotees and offered constructive recommendations for tourism development. In particular, the development of Nigrodhavan Pagoda with its beautiful surroundings, good order, cleanliness, and green environment not only enhances the values of Buddhism but also contributes to transforming the pagoda into an attractive religious tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors. H.E. the Minister further emphasized that tourism and religion are closely interconnected, as pagodas and sacred sites are not only places for religious worship and spiritual practice but also tourism destinations that reflect Cambodia’s history, architecture, arts, culture, and national identity. Religious tourism, in particular, provides visitors with opportunities to learn about Buddhism, participate in traditional ceremonies and festivals, practice meditation, and seek inner peace. At the same time, it contributes to generating income, supporting local livelihoods, and preserving Cambodia’s cultural heritage. H.E. the Minister also stressed that the development of religious tourism must respect Buddhist rules and disciplines, the sanctity of sacred places, and their dignity, while ensuring cleanliness, greenery, safety, public order, and tranquility. In this spirit, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Cults and Religion have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and diversify religious tourism events and to further promote Cambodia’s religious tourism potential more broadly and sustainably. Nigrodhavan (Koul Toteung) Pagoda, Phnom Penh, morning of 30 August 2026