Cambodia & Francophonie: Successful launch of the ‘Destination Eco-Talents’ initiative in Siem Reap
- Christophe Gargiulo
- 25 minutes ago
- 13 min read
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) unveiled its flagship initiative, Destination Eco-Talents (DET), during a fruitful and lively workshop attended by nearly 80 participants, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from 26 to 28 March 2025.
Destination Eco-Talents (DET) is an ambitious OIF programme that aims to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism practices for the benefit of local populations, while promoting the French language as a vehicle for innovation and cooperation. It focuses on professionalisation, employability and empowerment of young people, women and rural and peri-urban communities. The DET project supports the development of competitive and attractive sustainable tourism offerings and coordination between key players in the sector.
The main topics discussed during this launch workshop were training young people and women in sustainable tourism practices, and the use of the French language to promote regional cooperation. The provincial capital Siem Reap has been chosen as the pilot site for the DET project, which will offer resources and training programmes to encourage and advance ecotourism in the target countries in the first instance.
Sustainable tourism, a driver of development
The workshop brought together more than 80 stakeholders from the private, public and voluntary sectors in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to discuss strategies to support initiatives that can transform tourism into a driver of sustainable development.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Dr Thok Sokhom, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, emphasised the royal government's commitment to green tourism.
Contributions
According to the Secretary of State, this workshop was a crucial step in mobilising regional stakeholders for the launch of this project, which will enable the definition of a common roadmap for the training and development of sustainable tourism products, the structuring of a network, and the promotion and integration of local initiatives into a regional and French-speaking sustainable tourism dynamic.
‘The workshop thus contributes to the Royal Government's focus on sustainable tourism development. This project is also likely to contribute to building a more competitive, sustainable and resilient kingdom, with the ultimate goal of realising Cambodia's vision for 2050 as a high-income country,’ he emphasised.
His Excellency then thanked the International Organisation of La Francophonie for its support, recalling that in addition to emphasising regional and international cooperation for the development of sustainable tourism, the project will promote investment in human capital, empower local communities, propose inclusive tourism models and foster digital innovation in this sector.
Finally, the Secretary of State emphasised that the success of sustainable tourism also depended on the implementation of ambitious but achievable strategies that would ensure that ‘tourism remains an engine of economic growth, decent job creation, cultural enrichment and environmental sustainability’.
On the first morning, Edgar Doerig, OIF representative for Asia-Pacific, emphasised the urgent need to combat climate change through environmentally friendly tourism initiatives, after highlighting the role of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in the Destination Eco-Talents (DET) initiative.
‘The project, led by the OIF's Asia-Pacific Regional Office (REPAP) in Vietnam, aims to educate and train experts in sustainable tourism, support the development and promotion of sustainable tourism products and services, and activate networks of stakeholders, promoters and advocates,’ he said.
According to Mr Doerig, ‘the specific objectives of the DET highlight Cambodia's strategic role as a pilot and future model for the OIF, with a view to hosting the World Francophonie Summit in 2026’.
Since 2024, the OIF has partnered with several Cambodian institutions to implement certain aspects of its initiative, with a focus on training, education and professionalisation for young people and women. Finally, the theme of International Francophonie Day 2025, ‘I educate myself, therefore I act’, highlights the importance of education for the OIF and is perfectly in line with the spirit of the project.
Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Ms Adjara Diouf, Coordinator of the Sustainable Tourism Promotion Project within the REPAP, then gave a detailed description of the work of the OIF, which covers five continents, 93 states and governments, representing approximately 1.2 billion of the world's population.
She also recalled the many initiatives taken on the themes of sustainable tourism and the political commitments made by the heads of state and government of the Francophonie, in particular the Francophonie resolution on sustainable tourism (Dakar, 2014), the Francophonie resolution on the blue economy (Antananarivo, 2016) and finally the Francophonie's cross-cutting cooperation priority (Djerba Summit, November 2022).
Ms Diouf then presented a summary of studies and maps concerning the potential for sustainable tourism in five countries: Cape Verde, Cambodia, the Comoros, Morocco and Vietnam. Conducted by the Cambodia-based company Millennium Destinations, these studies highlighted the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the tourism sector for these target countries and defined support strategies and action plans for the OIF. Vietnam and Cambodia share several common characteristics, including a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, a warm welcome, a commitment to green tourism and a strategic location.
‘These are all advantages that could create opportunities for tourism development, but they are hampered by a lack of infrastructure and training and threatened by the risk of mass tourism at certain sites (Halong – Angkor), fierce regional competition, pollution and climate change.’
However, despite these challenges, Ms Diouf believes that there is considerable potential for developing sustainable and inclusive tourism in each of the five countries studied.
‘This will be possible through targeted interventions and enhanced cooperation between the various stakeholders,’ she said, adding that this could be achieved with strategic recommendations focusing on three main areas, namely education and vocational and technical training, the development and promotion of sustainable tourism products and services, and the strengthening of networks and governance.
Ms Diouf also emphasised the need for the DET project to ‘offer new opportunities in sustainable and community-based tourism for young people, women and rural and peri-urban populations’. She pointed out that this initiative, led by the Francophonie, was part of the OIF's strategic programme (PS3) entitled ‘The French language, a vehicle for sustainable development’. In conclusion, the project coordinator reaffirmed the project's ambitions in terms of structuring dynamic networks, creating events and establishing Destination Eco-Talents centres.
This informative presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session during which Ms Diouf and Mr Ibrahima Dabo, REPAP/OIF programme specialist, answered numerous questions from participants about the project's progress, its modalities and other aspects of this Francophone initiative.
Sharing experiences
In the afternoon, several speakers from the public and private sectors had the opportunity to share sustainable tourism initiatives in their respective countries. Speakers included Mr Seng Sotheara from the Apsara National Authority, Ms Angkam Chaimavongsack (Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos), Ms Nguyen Hai Anh (Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) and Ms Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office for the public sector.
Mr Seng Sotheara recalled the key role of the National Authority for the Preservation and Management of Angkor (ANA) as the body responsible for preserving the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seng Sotheara, Director of the Department of Tourism Development and Culture, National Authority for the Preservation and Management of Angkor (Cambodia)
‘Founded in 1995, the ANA preserves the cultural, environmental and historical integrity of the region while promoting sustainable development and tourism,‘ he explained, adding:
’Its main responsibilities are cultural preservation, tourism, sustainable development and community engagement."
The ANA also works to preserve archaeological sites by maintaining and restoring temples with assistance from France and Japan. Dedicated to safeguarding the historical and cultural significance of Angkor, the ANA strives to balance visitor numbers and environmental preservation while meeting the needs of local communities.
It also strives to promote sustainable tourism practices, making it a strategic and key player in Cambodia's tourism industry.
With regard to Laos, Ms Angkam Chaimavongsack highlighted her country's emergence as a relatively new tourist destination with a sector that is growing steadily (21% annual average). While highlighting the natural sites that are Laos' main attractions – the Nam Nem River and Mount Phou Louey – she emphasised the government's desire to “develop, promote and manage high-quality cultural and historical tourism, using environmentally friendly and sustainable practices”.
The same ambition exists in a different context in Vietnam, a country that wants to become a world leader in sustainable tourism by focusing on the balance between economic growth, environmental conservation and cultural preservation. The country's tourism development strategy, outlined in its master plan for 2021-2030, emphasises ‘green tourism’ as a cornerstone, integrating tourism activities with the preservation of natural resources and environmental protection.
According to Ms Nguyen Hai Anh, Vietnam has launched innovative programmes to reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly practices, and local authorities and associations are also encouraging responsible tourism, with 24 companies signing wildlife and ecosystem conservation commitments in Quang Nam province, for example.
‘Ecotourism has become a major trend in Vietnam by encouraging responsible travel that preserves natural environments and supports local communities,’ Ms Nguyen emphasised.
She also pointed out that ‘her country is leveraging technology to improve its tourism ecosystem, with smart tourism platforms, virtual reality tours and digital management systems deployed in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.’
By 2030, Vietnam aims to attract 35 million international tourists per year, while maintaining an annual growth rate of 13-15%, hence the need to adopt sustainable and responsible practices.
Greater Mekong Subregion
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is focusing on sustainable tourism, seeking to balance economic growth, environmental conservation and community well-being. According to Ms Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, the tourism sector strategy for the Greater Mekong sub-region focuses on balanced development that ‘supports communities, preserves nature and enhances the tourist experience.’
Key actions include sustainable planning, support for SMEs in the sector and the establishment and enforcement of common standards,’ she emphasised, recalling that cooperation had increased between GMS countries by promoting the “Six Countries, One Destination” concept to develop connectivity in the tourism industry. Finally, for Ms Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, the focus remains on creating a more resilient and sustainable industry that benefits local communities while preserving the region's rich cultural and natural heritage.
The voice of the private sector
Ms. Marta Saya, CEO of ATP Consultant Co., Ltd., and specialist in sustainable tourism and community ecotourism in Cambodia, shared her experience by presenting several case studies in the sustainable tourism sector in Cambodia. The model cited as an example, the Koh Trong Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) project, demonstrates how local communities can effectively manage tourism and ensure sustainable practices.
The project has created jobs for local residents, thereby improving their economic situation. Annual tourism revenues have reached over $150,000, directly benefiting more than 200 families. Household incomes have increased by 35% since the project was launched in 2015. Dependence on seasonal agriculture has also been reduced thanks to year-round tourism activities.
Thanks to ecotourism, Koh Trong has seen improvements in its local infrastructure, benefiting the entire community. The construction of ‘ecoroutes’ for cycling and walking, the installation of solar streetlights and drinking water systems, and improved ferry services have made the island more accessible. Environmental awareness has been raised among the local population, which has greatly fostered a sense of responsibility.
‘Investing in eco-talent is not just about developing skills, but also about training a generation of leaders who see sustainable development as both a livelihood and a legacy,’ said Ms Marta Saya.
This example from Cambodia proves that when communities are equipped with knowledge, resources and autonomy, they become the strongest advocates for their natural and cultural heritage. This creates a harmonious balance between growth, sustainability and green tourism for the benefit of isolated communities.
For Vietnam, Mr. Vu Van Tuyen, founder and CEO of Travelogy Vietnam and a tourism expert with 25 years of experience, enthusiastically recalled that his country has three villages designated as ‘best villages for tourists,’ a distinction awarded by UN Tourism after evaluating no fewer than 260 sites in 90 countries around the world. These are the villages of Tra Que, Tan Hoa and Thai Hai. Mr Vu was accompanied for the occasion by a resident of Tan Hoa, who was delighted to share the beautiful story of her village, which is thriving thanks to a model of sustainable and community-based tourism.
To conclude this sharing of experiences, Duangmala Phommavong, co-founder of EXO Travel Laos, took the floor to outline the major challenges in achieving a balance between economic development and natural resource conservation, particularly in rural and protected areas. According to her, Laos must preserve its character as a destination free from mass tourism while allowing the sector to thrive within a community-based and environmentally conscious framework.
Professionalisation and employability in sustainable tourism
In the final part of the session, several speakers addressed a crucial aspect of the tourism sector: training. On the theme of ‘challenges and solutions for professionalisation and employability in sustainable tourism’, His Excellency Mol Vibol, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, shared his extensive experience in developing technical training and employment policies in his country.
Long committed to the Francophonie, His Excellency outlined the initiatives taken by his ministry and the royal government to participate in Cambodia's post-Covid recovery and the restart of the tourism industry. A Francophone and Francophile, His Excellency did not hide his enthusiasm at the prospect of seeing the Kingdom of Cambodia play a leading role in the launch of the Eco-Talents Destination Project.
Ms Malika OK, Project Manager at the French Development Agency (AFD) in Cambodia, recalled the AFD's commitment to vocational training in Cambodia, which has amounted to nearly €75 million since 2012. She highlighted the main obstacles facing the tourism sector in Cambodia, including a rather slow recovery after the Covid shock, the closure of many SMEs in the sector, dependence on international tourists, limited diversification and, finally, a skills shortage that has grown with the departure of many qualified professionals. However, it expressed some optimism with the opening of vocational tourism schools in the kingdom, in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, which are able to provide training to ASEAN standards and offer six specialisations: cooking, pastry, food and beverage (F&B), reception, housekeeping and travel agent.
Workshops and discussions
Three workshops were held on the second day on the themes of training, developing and promoting an attractive and competitive tourism offering, and coordinating and facilitating dynamic networks of key stakeholders. The sessions were moderated by Mr Tran Van Cong, Ms Adjara Diouf and Mr Ibrahim Daho, respectively. These workshops were designed to facilitate collaborative discussion on the three main components of the DET project and how to maximise their results. The panellists for the first workshop were Ms Catherine Germier and Ms Marta Saya, Mr Nicolas Hatzet and Ms Douangmala Phommavong for the second, and Mr Hugues Morel and Mr Vu Van Tuyen for the third.
There were many constructive exchanges during the morning, which allowed everyone to share their experiences, difficulties and expectations in the field of sustainable tourism.
In the afternoon, a spokesperson from each workshop presented their findings. Many observations were made during these presentations. A recurring theme was the need for training, including for rural communities where awareness of tourism is still limited, particularly in Laos and Cambodia. The problems of popularising and understanding sustainable tourism, which is not yet a concept that has been fully assimilated by everyone, were also discussed. Some participants reported difficulties in implementing projects in the field due to a lack of communication and language skills, while others reported their successes and their desire to see their concept extended to other local or even regional destinations. The lack of French-speaking guides was also mentioned for all three countries, with strong demand for Vietnam. However, no obstacles appear likely to undermine the launch and success of the Destination Eco-Talents project.
Ms Adjara Diouf did not hide her satisfaction at the end of the second day, describing the two-day workshop as intense, constructive and promising for the main objectives of the project.
Visits to OIF partners
Friday morning was more light-hearted, with a visit to partners in Siem Reap who have received grants from the International Organisation of La Francophonie as part of the DET initiative. The participants first visited the Paul Dubrule School of Hospitality and Tourism, an educational institution founded in 2002 by Paul Dubrule, co-founder of the Accor hotel group. This model school is designed to provide vocational training in the tourism and hospitality sector for young Cambodians, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In addition to visiting DET partners, participants also had the opportunity to visit the Satcha Cambodian Handicraft Incubation Centre. This centre, which welcomes weavers, sculptors and painters, serves as a hub for preserving and promoting Cambodia's rich artistic heritage by combining traditional knowledge with contemporary design.
The participants then visited a second hotel school: Sala Baï. This hotel school is a unique establishment that serves as both a vocational training school and a hotel. The school was founded in 2002 by the French NGO Agir Pour le Cambodge.
Renaud Fichet, the school's director, led the tour himself, explaining that the school offers 150 disadvantaged young Cambodians, particularly young women, free one-year training in hospitality-related fields such as cooking, reception management, room service, housekeeping and beauty care.
The school also offers accommodation in five beautifully decorated rooms worthy of a high-end hotel. There is also a training restaurant open every day for breakfast and Monday to Friday for lunch. The restaurant serves international and European cuisine and, according to the director, the French ambassador to Cambodia himself is a regular customer.
The morning of discovery concluded with a lunch for participants at Spoons Café. This establishment is part of SPOONS Cambodia, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people through education and vocational training. All profits from the restaurant are donated directly to support these programmes, making every meal not only a culinary experience but also a contribution to the community.
Enthusiasm
The regional workshop to launch the Destination Eco-Talents (DET) project has already enabled all these officials, representatives of associations and private sector players to exchange views and discuss the concept of this flagship OIF initiative. It should be noted that this project is part of a socio-economic development and empowerment initiative for local populations, while promoting the French language as a vehicle for innovation and cooperation. The numerous exchanges during these two and a half days revealed considerable enthusiasm for this innovative project, which offers great hope for sustainable tourism. The projects selected following the OIF's call for proposals will be announced next May.
This event, organised by All Dreams Cambodia following a call for tenders launched by the OIF, benefited from full carbon offsetting covering all activities carried out in Cambodia (excluding international transport), thus ensuring effective carbon neutrality. A total of 36 tonnes of CO2 were offset, demonstrating a concrete commitment to environmental sustainability. The carbon credits will be used to support projects in Cambodia, thereby strengthening their local and sustainable impact.
About
The OIF is an international institution based on shared French and common values, comprising 93 states and governments. It focuses on policies and cooperation in areas such as the French language, pluralism, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, human rights, education, training, higher education, research and economic cooperation for sustainable development.
Acknowledgements: Mona Hard Baisse – All Dreams Cambodia & Catherine Germier Hamel – Millenium Destinations