Catherine Germier-Hamel: A Visionary Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism at the CCIFC Rendez-vous

At a time when the tourism industry is rethinking its paradigms to meet environmental and social challenges, Catherine Germier-Hamel stands out as an inspiring and committed voice. This impact-driven entrepreneur and renowned consultant in sustainable tourism development has been invited to speak at the upcoming Rendez-vous de la Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France-Cambodge (CCIFC)—a key event for professionals seeking to blend economic prosperity with environmental responsibility.

Catherine Germier-Hamel

A Career Spanning Three Continents

Born in France to a Eurasian heritage, Catherine Germier-Hamel has built over 30 years of international experience, taking her from Africa to Latin America, through Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Holder of an MBA from NEOMA Business School and a postgraduate degree in sustainable tourism from the University of Paris Nanterre, she began her career managing environmental public services. Very soon, her passion led her toward sustainable tourism, which she sees as a powerful engine for local empowerment and inclusive development.

A decisive moment came in 2005 when she moved to South Korea to lead global programs for the ST-EP Foundation (Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty), under the aegis of the UN World Tourism Organization. That experience deepened her global perspective while refining her pragmatic approach to responsible tourism.

Millennium Destinations and Destination Mekong: Key Players in Southeast Asia

In 2016, Catherine founded Millennium Destinations in Seoul, a purpose-driven enterprise dedicated to consulting and promoting eco-initiatives in tourism. In 2021, she relocated to Cambodia to become CEO of Destination Mekong, a private organization focused on sustainable tourism management and promotion in the Greater Mekong region.

From this position, she has fostered public–private partnerships across Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China, promoting collaborative models where cultural value, environmental protection, and socio-economic development come together in synergy.

She is also a co-founder of the Inner Development Goals (IDG) Global Tourism Network, an international initiative dedicated to transforming and empowering tourism professionals through education and leadership development.

Speaking at the Upcoming CCIFC Rendez-vous

Scheduled for late October 2025, the next Rendez-vous de la CCIFC will host Catherine Germier-Hamel for a major talk on sustainable and inclusive tourism.

The event will gather Cambodian and French business leaders and tourism professionals for a dynamic exchange on best practices, innovations, and emerging opportunities within the sector. Catherine will share her unique experience, current projects, and forward-looking vision for a tourism industry that serves as both an engine of economic growth and a force for social cohesion.

Her participation is highly anticipated, as she continues to inspire CCIFC members to embrace responsible practices that enhance business competitiveness while preserving the natural and cultural richness of Cambodia.

A Leading Figure in Cambodia’s Ecotourism Landscape

Since her arrival in Phnom Penh in 2022, Catherine Germier-Hamel has become a prominent leader and influential voice in Cambodia’s tourism sector. She currently chairs the Tourism and Hospitality Committee at EuroCham Cambodia and regularly speaks at conferences, training programs, and roundtables on sustainable development.

Combining strategic marketing expertise with a deep understanding of sustainable destination management, she advises both public and private stakeholders in creating tourism offerings that are environmentally respectful and socially inclusive.

Bridging European and Asian cultures, she embodies the collaborative spirit necessary for innovation and mutual understanding.

More than a consultant, Catherine Germier-Hamel is an active ambassador for meaningful tourism—one that positions Cambodia and the Mekong region at the forefront of sustainable global destinations.