Special report: Cambodia's sustainable tourism ambitions: progress, challenges and the future

Cambodia is at a crossroads. With its vibrant culture and natural landscapes, the nation has long recognized tourism as a pillar of economic growth. Yet, as visitor numbers rise and global expectations evolve, Cambodia faces a crucial question: how to ensure that tourism development remains sustainable, reconciling economic ambitions with the imperative of protecting its unique heritage and environment?

By Uch Leang - Acting Director of the Department of Asian, African and Middle Eastern Studies at the Institute of International Relations of Cambodia

Kampot

The pentagonal strategy: an action plan for the future

Cambodia's answer lies in its Pentagonal Strategy - Phase I, a comprehensive government initiative launched to steer the country towards sustainable tourism. The strategy is based on three main pillars: improving infrastructure, cultivating human resources and protecting natural resources.

The government's vision is clear: by 2050, Cambodia aspires to join the ranks of high-income nations, with tourism playing a central role in this transformation.

The recovery of Cambodia's tourism sector from the pandemic has been strong, underlining its potential as a driver of economic recovery. However, the COVID-19 crisis also revealed vulnerabilities: fragile infrastructures, a shortage of skilled workers and growing environmental pressures. The government now recognizes that the road to recovery must be paved with sustainability, ensuring that economic gains do not come at the expense of Cambodia's environmental and cultural treasures.

Stakeholder voices: A field perspective

To underpin its analysis, the study conducted 30 in-depth interviews with a wide range of stakeholders: government officials, tourism managers, local business owners and community representatives from major tourist centers such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Preah Sihanouk. This qualitative approach yielded a mosaic of viewpoints, reflecting both the promise and pitfalls of Cambodia's current tourism trajectory.

Stakeholders spoke frankly about the sector's strengths and weaknesses.

While the economic benefits of tourism are widely recognized, there are many concerns about the weak infrastructure, lack of coordination between government agencies and lack of long-term investment.

Many lamented the shortage of skilled workers and the absence of robust data collection systems to monitor the impact of tourism on sensitive sites such as Angkor Wat.

The challenge of sustainable development

The literature review highlights the complexity of sustainable tourism development. International models often fail when applied to Cambodia's unique context, particularly when it comes to managing iconic sites such as Angkor Wat. Overcrowding threatens the integrity of these sites and, in the absence of effective management and data-driven monitoring, the risk of irreversible damage is high.

In addition, the study highlights a persistent gap between policy and practice.

While the government has launched numerous initiatives, often in partnership with NGOs and the private sector, implementation is hampered by inconsistent coordination and limited resources.

Local communities, in particular, feel that their voices are not always heard, and that government support falls short of what is needed to foster truly sustainable tourism.

Public-private partnerships: an untapped opportunity

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are one of the most promising avenues for progress. In neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, PPP models have proved effective in mobilizing investment and improving service quality. In Cambodia, however, such partnerships remain underdeveloped. The study calls for renewed interest in PPPs, tailored to Cambodia's specific needs, to bridge resource gaps and stimulate innovation in the tourism sector.

Policy recommendations and future prospects

Drawing on both empirical findings and policy analysis, the study proposes a series of recommendations to strengthen Cambodia's sustainable tourism agenda:

• Invest in infrastructure: Upgrading transport, utilities and digital infrastructure is essential to support both tourists and local communities.

• Developing human resources: Expanding vocational training programs will address skills shortages and improve service standards across the sector.

• Strengthen environmental protection: Stricter regulations and better enforcement are needed to safeguard natural and cultural assets.

• Foster collaboration between stakeholders: Better coordination between government agencies, the private sector and local communities is essential for effective policy implementation.

• Leverage international support: Engaging with international organizations can provide technical expertise and funding to support sustainable tourism initiatives.

A delicate balance

Cambodia's journey towards sustainable tourism is fraught with difficulties, but the country's commitment to reform is undeniable. The pentagonal strategy provides a solid foundation, but success will depend on the ability to translate policy into practice, through investment, innovation and, above all, collaboration.

At a time when Cambodia is opening its doors to the world, the stakes couldn't be higher. The choices we make today will determine whether future generations inherit a country of thriving communities and preserved heritage, or one where short-term gains have left an indelible mark on the soul of the nation. The world is watching, and Cambodia's story could well become a model for sustainable tourism in the region and beyond.

This summary is based on the dossier “Cambodia's Strategic Goal for Sustainable Tourism Development: Implementation and Challenges in the Region” by Uch Leang - Acting Director of the Department of Asian, African and Middle Eastern Studies at the Institute of International Relations of Cambodia.