Cambodia Investment Review
Canopy Sands Development, the master developer behind the 934-hectare Bay of Lights coastal development, is all set to launch Cambodia’s first-ever international kite festival, SkyFest. The event, scheduled for May 6th and 7th, is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors to the future township of Bay of Lights in Sihanoukville. In collaboration with Kilat Events, the festival aims to unite the people of Cambodia through their shared cultural heritage and patriotism under the inspiring theme “Khmer Can Fly.”
SkyFest aspires to encourage future generations to reach for the skies and exceed expectations, keeping the ancient Khmer tradition of kite-flying alive. The festival will welcome students from Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh, offering them the opportunity to participate in various activities. Through the event, SkyFest hopes to educate the students on the importance of cultural appreciation and inspire them with Khmer kite designs on a global stage.
The event offers attendees a chance to participate in the Khmer kite flying workshop, submit their own kite designs, and enter the design contest, with cash prizes of USD 500 for public entries and USD 300 for student entries. The festival is set to showcase Cambodian traditional kite flyers as well as international teams from eight countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, China, and the Philippines. Each team will display a diverse range of kite types, sizes, and shapes.
Attracting a family-friendly crowd to the city
As part of the experiential journey, SkyFest will also offer visitors the opportunity to learn kite-making techniques. Moreover, the festival promises an array of delicious food options, with over 20 F&B brands participating in the all-day food market. Performances by Cambodia’s world-famous performance art school and circus, Phare Ponleu Selpak, will see their world-class acrobats interpreting the “Khmer Can Fly” theme.
Further attractions include the first-ever Khmer art sand sculpture, water activities by the Cambodian jetski team, and live music from renowned artists such as Tep Boprek, Suly Pheng, Morm Picherith, Intan Andriana, and powerhouse deejays DJ Vutha, DJ Maily, and DJ Chill Bill. Festival tickets can be purchased on the LIVE. app by Wonderpass for USD $2.5 per day entry. For more information, please visit Bay of Light’s official Facebook event page here or join the Telegram channel https://t.me/bayoflights.
In a recent press conference, the Cambodia Investment Review asked how events like SkyFest are contributing to the transformation of Sihanoukville’s image towards more family-friendly activities, such as sports, arts, and cultural events. Ian Tan, Managing Director of Canopy Sands, explained that SkyFest is just the beginning of a series of events planned to attract a family-friendly crowd to the city. He also highlighted ongoing collaborations with organizations like the Ministry of Tourism and international event partners to drive the area’s transformation.
Long-term development plan for Bay of Lights
CSD’s long-term plan involves the development of the Bay of Lights area into a 934-hectare green coastal city with a capacity for up to 160,000 residents, backed by a total investment of $16 billion. The entire project is slated for completion by 2028. In addition, Cambodia’s first-ever coastal entertainment hub is scheduled to open in early 2023. This entertainment hub will feature a Beach Club, 60 coastline cabin lodges, go-karting, paintball, and even a reverse bungee jump, a first in coastal Cambodia.
The Beach Club, which includes a pool bar, DJ booth, cabanas, al-fresco dining, and lawn, will be operated by one of Indochina’s renowned entertainment operators, Sailing Club. The club is set to host exclusive beach parties and showcase regional DJs all year long, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the coastal entertainment hub.
SkyFest 2023, along with the upcoming entertainment hub, signifies a turning point for Sihanoukville as it looks to rebrand itself as a family-friendly destination. The city is expected to see an influx of both domestic and international tourists seeking unique cultural experiences, sports, arts, and entertainment events.
The success of SkyFest and other similar events will not only boost tourism in the region but also create new job opportunities and stimulate the local economy. This will contribute to the overall development of Sihanoukville, paving the way for its transformation into a green coastal city. The planned infrastructure and amenities will attract families, investors, and businesses alike, further enhancing the region’s potential.
