Cambodia & Tourism: Asian Trails, “Cambodia's future is as a proud, self-sufficient destination”
- Christophe Gargiulo
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Last Thursday, Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West invited travelers, industry professionals and sustainability advocates to participate in a webinar entitled “The Great Travel Transition”, focusing on the transformative concept of regenerative tourism.
Three presentations during this one-hour webinar, hosted by David Moons, Marketing Director of Kep West and featuring Jef Moons, Founder and CEO of Kep West, Tanguy Frénéat, Project Manager of Marine Conservation Cambodia's program in Kep and Virginie Kury, Director of travel agency Asian Trails.
Asian Trails: Pioneering sustainable luxury in the Kingdom of Wonders
In a rousing speech to the travel industry, Asian Trails' Managing Director painted a picture of Cambodia's tourism future, advocating a future based on care, respect and lasting positive impact.
“Cambodia is a country full of beauty and strength,” she emphasized, pointing out that while Angkor Wat drew the world's attention, the nation's appeal extended far beyond its iconic temples. From pristine coastlines and lush jungles to bustling cities and deep-rooted traditions, Cambodia's diversity is its greatest asset.
Asian Trails' philosophy is that travel should be a force for good.
“Every trip we design follows the idea of a sustainable and responsible experience,” explained Ms. Kury.
This commitment translates into partnerships with eco-friendly hotels, support for local artisans and efforts to reduce plastic waste. According to her, each trip is designed to protect Cambodia's unique nature and culture while offering travelers meaningful and authentic experiences.
She also noted that today's travelers are looking for more than just sightseeing:
"They want to connect. They want to learn. They want to give back.''
In her opinion, Cambodia is ready to welcome this new wave of conscious, curious and caring visitors. From eco-lodges in the Cardamom Mountains to immersive cultural workshops and wellness retreats, the country is ready to offer profound, life-changing experiences.
The partnership with Kani Bang Chatt illustrates this vision, offering wellness retreats with seasonal local dishes and opportunities for guests to participate in conservation work. “Travel should contribute to improving the situation,” she asserted, adding:
“The future we envision for Cambodia is that of a proud and self-sustaining destination, not only for its history, but also for its commitment to regeneration - a place where every visitor contributes to protection and restoration.”
Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West: Redefining regenerative travel on the Cambodian coast
As global travel trends evolve, so does the definition of luxury. For Kep West founder and CEO Jef Moons, the future of tourism lies in what he calls “authentic luxury travel” - travel that stays in the heart and mind, and actively renews people and places.
"Regenerative travel is about more than sustainability. It's about actively improving the places we visit," Moons insisted. At his platinum-certified resort, barefoot luxury meets environmental stewardship. Guests are invited to participate in wellness programs, coastal yoga sessions and marine conservation activities designed to restore local biodiversity.
According to Mr.Moons, Kep West's approach is a direct response to travelers' growing desire to escape the chaos of overtourism and hyperconnectivity.
"Our customers don't just relax. They engage with nature, support local communities and leave with a sense of renewal," he declared.
In his view, it's a journey that regenerates not only the traveler, but also the environment and the people who call it home.
Mr. Moons also issued a call to the industry:
“Let's redefine what it means to explore the world, not as tourists, but as conscious stewards of its beauty.”
He invited travel partners to join Knai Bang Chatt's ambitions to offer customers more than just a destination, but a chance to make a difference - creating greater customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. “Choose a stay that makes a difference,” he insisted.
Marine conservation in Cambodia: travelers champion ocean regeneration
For Tanguy Frénéat, Project Manager at Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC), travel is no longer a passive act - it's a powerful tool for healing the planet. In his talk, he explained how the partnership between MCC and Knang Banchat is transforming both the visitor experience and the fate of Cambodia's coastal ecosystems.
“Sustainability is no longer a benefit, it's an imperative,” Frénéat asserted. Since its inception in 2014, MCC has achieved sustainable conservation results and improved the livelihoods of local communities dependent on marine resources.
Their close collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia led to the creation of the country's second Marine Fisheries Management Area (MFMA) in 2018, protecting 12,000 hectares of critical habitats.
Through innovative measures such as the deployment of artificial concrete reefs - known as fisheries productivity structures - MCC has restored over 2,000 hectares of seagrass, vital for carbon sequestration and marine life.
“Thanks to our habitat restoration and anti-trawling efforts, we have seen the return of dugongs and dolphins to these waters, a symbol of hope for our team,” asserted Frénéat.
MCC's scientific research, including the Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project, has led to the identification of 70 pink dolphins and the creation of Cambodia's first community-based marine mammal-watching ecotourism project. These achievements have received national and international recognition, including the National Geographic Marine Protection Prize and Mission Blue Hotspot designation.
Travelers who visit Knai Bang Chatt and its partner MCC are invited to take an active part in conservation, by joining excursions, collecting vital data and supporting local fishermen.
"By choosing to travel with a purpose, you are investing in a legacy of regeneration. Every booking brings tangible benefits to Cambodian marine life and coastal communities," Frénéat concluded.
After the various presentations, the webinar gave way to a Q&A session during which the audience was able to ask a variety of questions about this vision of sustainable tourism and the different approaches and working methods.
The webinar thus highlighted the emergence of a new trend in Cambodian tourism, an era where sustainability, regeneration and authentic connection are at the heart of every trip. From luxury resorts to local conservation projects, these leaders want to pave the way for tourism that leaves a lasting positive legacy.
Watch the webinar in full: THE GREAT SHIFT IN TRAVEL WEBINAR
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