Cambodia Promotes Sustainable Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism Development

The National Committee for the Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism (NC-CBTE) held its first meeting in the 7th legislative mandate of the Royal Government to promote sustainable and responsible community-based tourism and ecotourism development. The meeting, presided over by Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, emphasized the importance of conservation serving development and development serving conservation, while prioritizing equitable benefit-sharing for local communities. Experts highlighted the potential benefits of community-based tourism, including boosting the tourism sector, protecting natural resources, promoting recycling, and preserving cultural heritage.

Key Takeaways:

• The NC-CBTE has identified the development of community-based tourism and ecotourism as a priority task grounded in the vision that conservation serves development and development serves conservation.
• Cambodia has gained international recognition for its community-based and ecotourism development models, including the 4Ps partnership framework (Public, Private, People Partnership).
• Community-based tourism will help boost the tourism sector, attract more visitors, and protect existing natural resources.
• The development of tourism and ecotourism communities will allow Cambodia to preserve its cultural heritage, local traditions, and customs.
• Local residents will benefit from both direct and indirect income opportunities.
• Relevant authorities are urged to prioritize the development of green tourism areas to mitigate global warming and reduce the need for Cambodians to travel abroad for tourism experiences.

Statistics:

• Over the past decade, Cambodia's tourism sector has grown significantly, promoting domestic products.
• The joint development of eco-tourism and local tourism development is crucial in helping to improve the livelihoods of people.

Sources:

• Ministry of Tourism
• National Committee for the Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism (NC-CBTE)
• Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA)
• Khmer Times