“Cambodia Champions Sustainable and Digital Tourism at ASEAN Forum”
Three weeks ago, at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, Cambodia highlighted its commitment to sustainable tourism, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and community involvement.
The forum, themed “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future,” served as a platform for ASEAN tourism stakeholders to discuss the future of the industry.
A commitment from the top
Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, represented Cambodia, focusing on the importance of regional cooperation and the integration of digital technology to enhance tourism experiences. She discussed Cambodia’s strategy to balance cultural preservation with modern technological advancements to foster a promising future for the country’s tourism sector.
Sivlin also stressed the significance of community-based tourism and the need for diverse tourism products to cater to different markets. She highlighted the growing popularity of Cambodia’s coastal regions and the effort to create new itineraries that appeal to a variety of tourists.
The event also touched on concerns about the misuse of the term ‘sustainability,’ with calls for a more genuine approach to sustainable tourism practices. Catherine Germier-Hamel, CEO of Destination Mekong/Millennium Destinations, criticized the tendency of ‘greenwashing’ in tourism marketing.
A real eco-dedication
Cambodia’s dedication to promoting its tourism sector through learning, policy importation, and media engagement was also discussed, alongside the country’s plans to further enhance its service and hospitality offerings through digital transformation and innovation.