Siem Reap: OIF organises the Regional Workshop to launch the ‘’Destination Eco-talents‘’ project to promote sustainable tourism

From 26 to 28 March 2025, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is holding a regional workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to launch the ‘‘Destination Eco-talents‘’

This project, based on innovation and collaboration, aims to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism while highlighting the French language as a vehicle for cooperation. The workshop brings together government decision-makers, representatives of international institutions, experts and professionals from the tourism sector from Cambodia, the pilot country for the DET project, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

A programme rich in discussion and reflection

One of the highlights of the workshop's opening ceremony, which saw H.E. Mr YUN Linne, Vice-Governor of Siem Reap, and Mr Edgar Doerig, OIF Representative for Asia-Pacific, give their speeches, was the inaugural conference on the theme of ‘Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism for Development’.

Following a speech by H.E. Mol Vibol, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, H.E. Thok Sokhom, Secretary of State representing H.E. Huot Hak, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, recalled the strong link between the Francophonie and the Kingdom, and the attention paid by the government to this OIF initiative.

The workshop provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on the concept, issues, objectives and strategy of the From 26 to 28 March 2025, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is holding a regional workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to launch the ‘‘Destination Eco-talents‘’ project, as well as for sharing experiences on sustainable tourism in the Mekong countries, including presentations of national policies and successful case studies. Participants were also able to exchange best practices, identify common challenges and propose concrete solutions to strengthen regional cooperation on sustainable tourism, through thematic panels corresponding to the DET project's areas of intervention:

• Education, training and professionalisation of tourism stakeholders, with a particular focus on young people and women

• Development and promotion of sustainable tourism offers, to enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of local initiatives, and

• Development and management of dynamic stakeholder networks, to encourage effective regional cooperation on common issues

The day of 28 March will be devoted to a field visit to IFM-funded projects in the Siem Reap region.

This regional workshop to launch the DET project reflects the IOF's strong commitment to promoting sustainable economic development through responsible tourism in its own Member States.

About the ‘’Destination Eco-talents‘’ project

The DET project to promote sustainable tourism is fully in line with the OIF's strategy entitled ‘The French language, a vector for sustainable development’. It focuses on three major areas:

• Education, training, professionalisation: Strengthening the skills of young people, women and rural and peri-urban communities to improve their employability in jobs linked to sustainable tourism

• Supporting the development of sustainable, competitive and attractive tourism offers: Supporting local players in creating experiences that respect the environment and local cultures

• Networking stakeholders: Structuring and coordinating a dynamic network bringing together public decision-makers, private operators and local communities to encourage the exchange of best practice in sustainable and inclusive tourism

In Cambodia, the pilot country for the DET project in the Mekong region, with complementary actions in other countries such as Vietnam, Destination Éco-Talents has established strategic partnerships with various organisations, including the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism (MOT) and renowned vocational training institutions such as the École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule, the Sala Bai hotel school and the Spoons vocational training centre in Siem Reap.

Eco-Talent Destination Centres: community hubs for sustainable tourism

The DET project includes the creation of Destination Eco-Talent Centres, community hubs dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism. The first will be set up in Siem Reap. These multifunctional centres raise awareness, provide training and support local stakeholders and visitors in adopting responsible practices. Structured as a network, they enhance the appeal of destinations while supporting the socio-economic development of communities.

About the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie - OIF

The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is an institution founded on the sharing of a language, French, and common values. It brings together 93 states and governments. The report on the French language in the world, published in 2022, puts the number of French speakers at over 321 million. With a presence on five continents, the OIF carries out political and cooperation activities in the following priority areas: the French language, multilingualism and cultural diversity; peace, democracy and human rights; education, training, higher education and research; economic cooperation for sustainable development.

In all its actions, the OIF pays particular attention to young people and women, and to access to information and communication technologies. Louise Mushikiwabo has been leading this political action since her election as Secretary General in October 2018 at the XVIIth Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan (Armenia), a position she was reappointed to in November 2022 at the XVIIIth Summit in Djerba (Tunisia).