Cambodia & Tourism: Southeast Asia accelerates its progress towards sustainable initiatives

The Southeast Asian tourism industry is making great strides toward sustainable development, as governments, private sector stakeholders, and communities across the region launch a wave of new initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and building a greener future for travel.

A new report, entitled “Sustainability in the Southeast Asian Tourism Industry: April 2025,” compiled by Pear Anderson, provides an overview of the region's latest efforts, from plastic bans and ecotourism projects to groundbreaking advances in sustainable aviation fuel. While the journey toward true sustainability is ongoing, the momentum is undeniable.

Governments are pursuing ambitious green policies

Malaysia and Indonesia have taken bold steps to tackle plastic waste. Malaysia has announced a ban on plastic bags in all forest reserves, national parks, state parks, marine parks, and geo-heritage sites. Bali, meanwhile, has launched the Bali Waste Clean-Up Movement, which focuses on waste management at source and reducing single-use plastics.

In Cambodia, authorities are working to transform the ancient temple of Sambor Prei Kuk in Kampong Thom into a model of sustainable, high-quality tourism. The initiative aims to make the region a travel hub, boost the local economy, and contribute to poverty reduction.

Electric mobility is also booming. Bali has received a donation of 10 electric buses from South Korea and plans to deploy them on routes serving key tourist sites. Hanoi has set a target of converting its entire public bus fleet to electricity or green energy by 2030.

Local communities and the private sector driving local solutions

Local initiatives are multiplying. In Cambodia, the Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) group, supported by Wildlife Alliance, has launched a “plastic-free campaign” to protect the region's biodiversity and its reputation as a model for sustainable tourism.

Vietnam has seen the formation of its first union of six community-based sustainable tourism cooperatives in Quang Ngai province, promoting rural tourism, traditional culture, and nature conservation. The Vietnam Tourism Association's workshop on “green destination development” highlighted impressive reductions in single-use plastics, reaching up to 55% in some pilot projects.

Private companies are also innovating. C2T Communications and Tourism Company has launched “Net Zero Tours Ben Tre” in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, combining environmentally friendly travel with educational activities such as tree planting and clean-ups. Singapore's hotel industry is on track to achieve sustainability certification for 60% of its rooms by the end of 2025.

The aviation sector is taking off with sustainable fuel initiatives

The aviation sector is a major focus for decarbonization. FatHopes Energy (Malaysia) and Bin Zayed International Group (United Arab Emirates) plan to build Southeast Asia's first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refinery in Port Klang, with an annual capacity target of 300,000 tons by 2029. Santan, AirAsia's in-flight catering brand, is replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable materials, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 500 tons per year in Malaysia and Thailand.

The Philippines is positioning itself as a regional leader in SAF production, taking advantage of abundant agricultural waste. Boeing estimates that raw materials from Southeast Asia could meet 12% of global SAF demand by 2050, helping the aviation sector achieve its net-zero emissions goals.

Ecotourism and green events are gaining ground

Nature-based tourism is getting a makeover. The World Bank-funded Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project in Cambodia is renovating infrastructure at key ecotourism sites, such as Phnom Mrech Kongkeb and Khnong Phsar Mountain, to improve access and resilience. The Ministry of Environment is actively promoting the Cardamom Mountains as a sustainable destination by organizing familiarization trips for investors and tour operators.

Sustainability is also a central theme of major events. The Singapore pavilion at the Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025 will showcase eco-friendly materials and a waste reduction approach, while Thailand is preparing to host the International Horticultural Exhibition in 2029, which is expected to attract 4 million visitors and create more than 36,000 jobs.

Challenges remain, but optimism is growing

Despite the progress made, challenges remain. High costs and long payback periods can deter small businesses from adopting green practices. However, the growing alignment of industry standards, government incentives, and community engagement is setting a new benchmark for sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia.

As the region prepares for major tourism events and continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the April 2025 report highlights one thing: Southeast Asia is not just dreaming of a greener future, it is taking concrete steps to build it.