• contact@asiamyway.net
  • +66 61 796 2111
Envelope Phone-alt
Linkedin Facebook Instagram

Sustainable Tourism in Cambodia

Cambodia's Sustainability Vision

Cambodia is best known to travellers for the iconic temples of Angkor, but the country offers far more—from remote mountain communities and floating villages to lush forests and coastal ecosystems. Tourism plays a central role in Cambodia’s economy, contributing over 12% of GDP pre-COVID and providing employment across urban and rural areas. However, the country faces pressing challenges in ensuring tourism develops in a sustainable and inclusive way.

Key Challenges

Over-reliance on Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap region has led to overtourism, environmental degradation, and cultural strain. The construction boom around the Angkor Archaeological Park raised concerns over groundwater depletion and the erosion of traditional lifestyles. Beyond Angkor, unsustainable development practices threaten coastal and forest ecosystems, while the benefits of tourism often bypass local communities in favour of foreign-owned businesses.

Infrastructure gaps, limited regulation enforcement, and insufficient environmental education further complicate the shift toward sustainable practices.

Community and Nature-Based Tourism

Cambodia has several standout CBT and ecotourism projects. These include homestays in Kampong Khleang and Chi Phat (Cardamom Mountains), forest trekking in Mondulkiri with indigenous Bunong guides, and birdwatching in the Tonlé Sap floodplains. These initiatives not only generate income for host communities but also incentivise environmental protection and cultural preservation.

Ecotourism is promoted in national parks such as Preah Monivong Bokor and Virachey, although inconsistent enforcement of regulations sometimes undermines long-term goals.

Policy and Strategic Direction

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has acknowledged the need for more balanced, responsible tourism. The National Ecotourism Policy and the Tourism Development Strategic Plan 2012–2020 (with updates in progress) outline goals such as diversifying destinations, empowering local communities, and improving environmental standards.

Efforts are being made to develop ecotourism zones and community-based tourism (CBT) networks, especially in protected areas. Government agencies and NGOs often collaborate to support local capacity-building, tourism training, and sustainable livelihoods linked to conservation.

Post-COVID Outlook

The pandemic exposed the fragility of Cambodia’s tourism-dependent economy, particularly in Siem Reap. In response, there has been renewed interest in decentralising tourism and improving resilience through sustainable models. Several CBT initiatives weathered the crisis by pivoting to agriculture, handicrafts, or domestic tourism. There’s growing momentum to rebuild the tourism sector in a more equitable and environmentally conscious way. Donor agencies and NGOs continue to play a significant role in shaping the post-pandemic recovery through funding, training, and advocacy.

Future Prospects

Cambodia’s sustainable tourism movement is still emerging, but it is grounded in strong community spirit and an increasing awareness of tourism’s double-edged nature. To succeed, the country will need to strengthen environmental regulations, support small-scale operators, and continue shifting focus away from mass tourism hotspots toward authentic, low-impact experiences. If well managed, Cambodia has the potential to become a model of grassroots-led sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, where cultural richness and ecological diversity are central assets—not commodities.
Linkedin Facebook Instagram