NC-CBTE pushes to boost sustainable community tourism

NC-CBTE pushes to boost sustainable community tourism

Development of community-based tourism and ecotourism is a priority task grounded in the vision that conservation serves development, and development serves conservation.

The National Committee for the Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism (NC-CBTE) Monday held its first meeting in the 7th legislative mandate of the Royal Government to promote the sustainable and responsible community-based tourism and ecotourism development.

The meeting was presided over by Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the National Committee for the Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism (NC-CBTE).

Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment and Permanent Vice-Chairman of NC-CBTE, Chan Chesda, Secretary of State of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), along with other members of the NC-CBTE from relevant ministries and institutions at the national level and sub-national levels attended the meeting held at the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

Hak said that the development of community-based tourism and ecotourism is a priority task grounded in the vision that conservation serves development, and development serves conservation, while also adhering to principles of equitable benefit-sharing for local communities.

“Cambodia has gained international recognition for its work in community-based and ecotourism through the implementation of community tourism development models under the 4Ps partnership framework — Public, Private, People Partnership — by encouraging investment, requiring local community participation, empowering local people, maximising benefits at the grassroots level, and upholding principles of sustainability and responsibility,” said Hak.

Speaking to Khmer Times yesterday, Ho Vandy, adviser to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), emphasised that the development of tourism and ecotourism communities will help boost the tourism sector and attract more visitors by protecting existing natural resources, promoting recycling, and preventing environmental destruction by both local and foreign residents.

He added that community-based tourism also serves to inspire future generations to recognise the long-term benefits of tourism through service provision and active participation.

“The development of tourism and eco-tourism communities also allows Cambodia to preserve its cultural heritage, local traditions, and customs,” he said, adding, “It promotes harmony among villagers, builds human capital within the community, fosters a love for hometowns among younger generations, and contributes to reducing migration.”

In addition, Vandy noted that local residents benefit through both direct and indirect income opportunities. He also called on relevant authorities to prioritise the development of green tourism areas, which contribute to mitigating global warming and reducing the need for Cambodians to travel abroad for tourism experiences, particularly through the effective implementation of the national tourism policy.

Addressing the 9th River Festival in March in Takeo province, Prime Minister Hun Manet said that over the past decade, Cambodia’s tourism sector has grown into a source of national pride, significantly promoting domestic products.

He said that the joint development of eco-tourism and local tourism development is very important in helping to improve the livelihoods of people.

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