With the ambition of unveiling the hidden gems of Cambodia's coastline, the recent "Hidden Cambodia" conference literally captivated audiences both online and in person.
Held at the SUN & MOON Riverside Hotel in Phnom Penh and broadcast live via Zoom, the event attracted 80 participants on-site and a further 70 online, all eager to (re) discover the unique attractions of Kep and Kampot.
Supported by the Cambodia Tourism Federation (CTF) and its partners, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Destination Cambodia 2024 and other travel organisations, the conference featured a number of insightful presentations from passionate speakers, highlighting the cultural richness, natural beauty and development potential of these coastal destinations.
The main objective of the event was in fact to highlight the unique experience, discoveries, culinary delights and tourism as a whole of Cambodia's coastal region, Kep and Kampot in particular.
Held at the SUN & MOON Riverside Hotel in Phnom Penh and broadcast live via Zoom, the event brought together 80 participants on site and a further 70 online, all eager to (re) discover the unique attractions of Kep and Kampot.
The conference focused on the rich cultural mosaic of the region, highlighting the natural beauty and sustainable development prospects of Kep and Kampot.
Leading speakers were invited to share their knowledge of the region and provide a perspective to contribute to a better understanding of the potential of coastal regions.
First, Mr Jef Moons, founder and CEO of Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West, kicked off the conference by explaining what it means to build a travel destination and enlightening participants on the cultural heritage and historical significance of Kep and Kampot.
It was then the turn of David Moons, Digital Marketing Manager at Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West, to present the captivating landscapes and hidden treasures of the region and highlight the experiences that the 'magic' coast has to offer.
To discover
According to Moons, many travellers devote their trips primarily to discovering the splendours of Angkor Wat, the capital Phnom Penh and sometimes the beaches of Sihanoukville and its surrounding islands. But, says Mr Moons, "exploring Cambodia shouldn't stop there". There are other destinations worth visiting, he says, including cultural sites, communities, pristine islands, outdoor activities, quality accommodation, hiking opportunities and a unique heritage to discover in the coastal region of Kep and Kampot.
"And let's not forget the culinary delights prepared with the region's finest condiments, including salt and the famous Kampot pepper," added Mr Moons.
Marvellous Amber Kampot
To illustrate his point, he then cited one of the region's flagship hotels, Amber Kampot, a luxury hotel complex nestling on the banks of the river and offering a view of the capital's colonial buildings. Amber Kampot offers 21 pool villas and five pool villas, each with its own lounge and indoor kitchen.
How can we talk about the wonders of Kampot without mentioning La Plantation? This beautiful initiative is committed to sustainable development and offers private guided tours, personalised cooking classes and the chance to discover the best of Kampot's culinary and cultural heritage.
The best of both worlds
Continuing his dynamic presentation, David Moons then suggested continuing the journey by emphasising that Kep and Kampot were not only seaside destinations, but also a gastronomic rendezvous, with Mr Moons not hesitating to describe the region as "the best of both worlds", offering not only beautiful beaches but also high-quality cuisine. Not to mention "a fusion of elegance with a peaceful atmosphere and a unique architectural experience", he added.
David Moons then moved on to a project he knows well, the Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West, a place where "every detail has been thought out to offer a definitively different travel experience by offering luxury accommodation and gastronomy, but also sport activities, sailing, sea excursions, kayaking, water skiing, hiking, kite surf and much more, all supervised by experienced instructors".
Mr Moons also mentioned that the splendid coastal scenery and classy accommodation on offer were not the only aspects that made the holiday unique.
"Many guests have told us how amazed they are of course, but above all they treasure the warmth of the welcome and the smiles of the local communities," he said.
They said that "it wasn't just the incredible landscapes and experiences that touched their hearts, it was our people. Every time I've arrived at a destination or experience, I've received a warm welcome, warm smiles and great responses from the local people," he said.
Arts4Kep
David Moons concluded his presentation by mentioning the 'Art4Kep' project, which is also in line with the company's philosophy. Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West has already invested more than a million dollars in humanitarian actions and now wants to extend its impact within the community by creating public artworks specific to the region.
Art has the remarkable ability to convey human identity, imagination and emotional power", he says.
Their first monumental sculpture, entitled 'Coral Kingdom', will reach an impressive height of 5.7 metres and will be made of sandstone. It will serve as a symbol of unity and collaboration between local tourism stakeholders, while representing the beauty of the coastal zone. Finally, it will be a symbol of hope for environmental conservation efforts in its community.
