Destination Mekong Summit 2023 Explores Key Challenges in Sustainable Tourism
Destination Mekong recently concluded its fourth annual summit themed “Mekong in Motion, Mekong Emotion(s),” with the summit bringing together industry experts, policymakers, practitioners, and investors to discuss and address key challenges facing the region’s tourism sector.
The two-day event, hosted at the Sales Center of OCIC Cambodia, Destination Mekong’s executive board member, featured a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual sessions to ensure global accessibility and inclusivity.
The Future of Travel in the Mekong Region
Marcel Van der Zwaag, General Manager of EXO Travel Cambodia, emphasized the need for diversification beyond Angkor Wat. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the total value of tourists, including the length of stay and the individual value they bring to the region. Van der Zwaag stressed the opportunity for Cambodia to lead in sustainable tourism practices and product development.
Empowering Tourism Players with Essential Skills and Standards
Nikolas Hatz, Tourism Development Expert, pointed out the post-COVID trend of travelers preferring familiar destinations for long-haul trips. He emphasized the need to understand the motivations behind travel and the potential to surprise tourists upon arrival. Diversification into culture, gastronomy, history, islands, beaches, nature, and wellness emerged as crucial strategies for the region.
Nearing a Zero-Waste Tourism Future through Innovation and Collaboration
The panel, moderated by Virginie Kury, General Manager of Asian Trails Cambodia, discussed the pressing issue of waste management in the growing tourism sector. Key problems identified included mismanaged plastic waste, lack of market for non-recyclables, and weak market for recyclables. The speakers stressed the importance of addressing energy waste through consulting, mentoring, and providing access to capital for companies to improve their energy efficiency.
Industry Matchmaking Breakfast and Workshops
The second day of the summit began with an industry matchmaking breakfast, followed by a series of workshops on various themes such as child and community protection, digital transformation, sustainability, wellness tourism, and re-envisioning Mekong destinations.
Child Protection and Community Engagement
Organizations including ECPAT International, Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE) ECPAT Cambodia, Better Care Network, and Friends-International joined workshops focusing on child protection. Collaborative strategies were discussed to address unregulated voluntourism and orphanage tourism. Key actions include regulating voluntourism, promoting regulated volunteering, and strengthening enforcement of laws against the exploitation of children.
Another panel discussion delved into the critical intersection of agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development. The panel discussion titled ‘Sowing the Seeds of Change through Food, Farm, and Agri-Tourism’ shed light on innovative initiatives aimed at elevating the livelihoods of Cambodian farmers while promoting quality products and introducing agri-tourism ventures.
Raising the Status of Indigenous Coffee
Joshua Jones, the Managing Director of Three Corner Coffee, shared his 14-year journey working with indigenous farmers in Mondulkiri. His mission focused on enhancing the quality and consistency of Cambodian coffee to meet international standards. Jones emphasized the challenges faced by farmers during economic downturns, leading to a loss of production capabilities. Despite initial hurdles, Three Corner Coffee became the first international standard roaster in Cambodia, advocating for quality coffee produced by Cambodians. Jones highlighted the positive impact on local agriculture and the tourism sector, emphasizing the need for proper processing and the value of quality coffee.
Developing Agri-Tourism Initiatives
Sophearith Yorn, Founder and Managing Director of BizKhmer Digital Media, shared a transformative initiative born during the pandemic. Yorn and his partners aimed to address the impact of COVID-19 on communities, focusing on the Morodok district in Kampong Speu province. The team planted over 7,000 crops and trees to benefit the community and established an ecotourism site, Morodok Basedth, covering more than 300 hectares. Yorn emphasized job creation during the pandemic, providing around 50 jobs to the local community. The project aims to support sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Circular Sustainability in Agriculture
Benjamin Garel, Head of Department at Azaylla Cambodia, stressed the importance of understanding the well-being of farmers as a starting point for sustainability. Garel’s company connects farmers with suppliers, including leading hotels, focusing on a “farm-to-farm” philosophy. He highlighted the need to address the working conditions of farmers, emphasizing the human aspect of sustainability. Anthony Galliano, Treasurer of Cambodia Restaurant Association and General Manager at Backyard Café, added that Cambodia’s tourism and hospitality industry’s skill sets are continually improving with the establishment of culinary schools and training centers.
The panel discussions on day two showcased the innovative approaches and collaborations in agri-tourism, emphasizing the potential to uplift local communities, protect the environment, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the Mekong region. The commitment to circular sustainability and community well-being emerged as key pillars for the future of agriculture and tourism in the region.
The Destination Mekong Summit 2023 provided a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to discuss and strategize sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the importance of diversification, innovation, and collaboration in the Mekong region. The commitment to protecting the environment and vulnerable communities showcased the industry’s dedication to ensuring a positive impact on the region and its future generations.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
