Smoke-free Tourism Cities
Smoke-free Tourism Cities in Cambodia at a Glance
Cambodia is redefining its tourism landscape by prioritizing public health and environmental sustainability. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism, and in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health, Cambodia Movement for Health (CMH), World Health Organization, and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), Cambodia has successfully transitioned from a single pilot project to a network of smoke-free destinations.
9
cities declared smoke-free
A nationwide expansion spanning from the 2023 pilot in Kampot to 2025 milestones in cities like Kep and Pailin.
1.6
million residents protected
Providing a significant health safeguard for local communities by eliminating secondhand smoke in public and tourism zones.
5
million+ tourists impacted
Enhancing the travel experience for domestic and international visitors through “smoke-free” tourism environments.
A Binding Regulatory Framework:
Powered by the Prakas (Legal Mandate) and SOP (Operational Manual) to ensure strict compliance with the 2015 Law on Tobacco Control.
- 9 cities declared smoke-free: A nationwide expansion spanning from the 2023 pilot in Kampot to 2025 milestones in cities like Kep and Pailin.
- 1.6 million residents protected: Providing a significant health safeguard for local communities by eliminating secondhand smoke in public and tourism zones.
- 5 million+ tourists impacted: Enhancing the travel experience for domestic and international visitors through “green and clean” tourism environments.
- A Binding Regulatory Framework: Powered by the Prakas (Legal Mandate) and SOP (Operational Manual) to ensure strict compliance with the 2015 Law on Tobacco.
Welcome to the Cambodia Smoke-free Tourism City Hub
Protecting the health of over 1.6 million residents and 5 million annual visitors requires more than just a declaration—it requires a dynamic, sustainable ecosystem of policy and partnership.
Explore our journey from the initial 2022 SEATCA Fellowship to the nationwide expansion of nine smoke-free cities. Whether you are a policymaker looking to adapt the Cambodian Model for your country, a local authority seeking guidance on compliance benchmarks, or a partner interested in our strategies for overcoming industry interference, you will find the tools and evidence here to support a healthier, greener future for tourism.
Executive Summary
The Smoke-free Tourism Cities initiative in Cambodia represents a landmark national commitment to tobacco control. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) in collaboration with Ministry of Health (MOH), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Cambodia Movement for Health (CMH), and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA). This program has transitioned from policy development to a successful subnational implementation. By expanding tobacco control efforts from individual establishments to entire municipal districts, Cambodia is setting a sustainable standard for protected tourism environments.
Officials and residents celebrate Kampot City’s historic recognition,
marking the beginning of a nationwide movement toward healthier, smoke-free tourism destinations.
Implementation Success: From Pilot to 2025 Expansion
Following the successful pilot in Kampot City which became Cambodia’s first official Smoke-free Tourism City on March 10, 2023 — the initiative underwent a strategic and widespread expansion throughout 2024-2025.
This period saw a major surge in national participation as the program moved beyond its initial testing phase. Sustaining this momentum required a comprehensive implementation strategy that involved sensitization workshops, technical assessments, and strategic enforcement support to mitigate the health impacts of both conventional tobacco products and Electronic Smoking Devices (ESD).
The Governor of Kampot Province received the award from Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and SEATCA.
Scaling Up: The Road to Nine Smoke-free Tourism Cities
Sustaining this momentum required a comprehensive implementation strategy, including:
- Sensitization Workshops: Educate local authorities and business owners on compliance standards.
- Technical assessments: Conduct rigorous on-site evaluations to ensure cities meet the 80/80 scoring threshold.
- Enforcement Support: Strengthen local capacity to address the health impacts of tobacco use and the threat posed by Electronic Smoking Devices (ESD).
As of 2025, a total of nine Cambodian cities has been declared smoke-free and has established a significant health safeguard for a large portion of the national population. This significant expansion cover a population of aapproximately 1.6 million residents and protect over 5 million domestic and foreign tourists.
Cambodia's Smoke-free Tourism Cities
- Kampot City: (Pilot City)
Declared on March 10, 2023 - Siem Reap:
Declared on December 25, 2023 - Preah Sihanouk: (Krong Preah Sihanouk)
Declared on December 28, 2023 - Kampong Cham:
Declared on October 16, 2024 - Battambang City:
Declared on October 28, 2024 - Chbar Mon City (Kampong Speu):
Declared on September 10, 2025 - Stung Saen City (Kampong Thum):
Declared on September 17, 2025 - Kep City:
Declared on October 14, 2025 - Pailin City: (Krong Pailin)
Declared on November 26, 2025
