Prime Minister Hun Manet has tried to reassure Cambodians that the government will not allow large companies to develop tourism projects at the expense of local communities.
The PM advised investors against building skyscrapers and shopping malls near mountains, which are natural tourist destinations, stressing that tourists were ‘looking for simple and authentic experiences’.
Samdech Thipadei also asked the relevant ministries and institutions to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism to promote sustainable growth in the local tourism sector, ensuring that local communities benefit. He recommended that local communities be given the opportunity to develop tourism as much as possible before private companies are allowed to invest.
The PM acknowledged that local people often expressed fears that corporate investment in natural tourist areas would threaten their livelihoods and alter the natural character of the area. In the past, some private companies have requested permission to invest in these areas, but the Prime Minister has rejected these requests, suggesting instead that communities should learn to welcome visitors by setting up food stalls, accommodation centres and additional toilets.
Hun Manet also urged commercial banks to support the community tourism sector by building local capacity.
‘While the government is prioritising community development in natural tourist areas, this does not mean that private investors do not have the right to develop projects. On the contrary, large-scale developments must be carefully managed to balance economic growth with environmental and community interests,’ he said.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed the importance of generating income, creating jobs and promoting business opportunities in local communities. He encouraged ministries and institutions to work together to support local products before calling on private investors. However, he warned again that development should not diminish the natural appeal of these destinations, as this would compromise their long-term potential.
In addition, Samdech Thipadei advised that resorts should be integrated into their natural surroundings, stressing the importance of designing architectural styles that complement the geography of tourist destinations, citing Bali and Jakarta as examples of places that have managed to preserve their natural charm while promoting tourism.
The Prime Minister also called for tourist areas to be developed without losing their originality, particularly their natural vegetation, warning against the excessive construction of concrete structures that could deprive these places of their unique character.
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