Empowering Tomorrow: Cambodia and Vietnam Lead the Way in Sustainable Tourism

A Regional Vision for Inclusive Growth

A new chapter in Southeast Asian tourism is unfolding as Cambodia and Vietnam launch a groundbreaking pilot project under the Destination Eco-Talents (DET) initiative. Led by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), this initiative is designed to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism across the region, with a strong focus on empowering women, youth, and rural communities. The aim is clear: to develop a tourism model that is equitable, environmentally responsible, and resilient for generations to come.

From March 26 to 28, a cornerstone workshop was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia—one of the DET pilot locations—bringing together local leaders, tourism professionals, and international experts to align on shared goals and strategies. The project will run through 2027, building long-term systems that support community-led tourism initiatives.

Building Skills, Strengthening Communities

At the heart of the DET initiative is empowerment through education and professional training. By improving the skills of local tourism stakeholders, particularly among women and young people, the project aims to enhance competitiveness and create economic opportunities that stay within the community. DET Centres, to be established in pilot locations like Siem Reap, will serve as hubs for training, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of local products.

These centres will also raise awareness about responsible tourism practices, encouraging both providers and visitors to engage more thoughtfully with the destinations they explore. The emphasis is on creating a tourism space where no one is left behind—especially those in rural and suburban areas who are often overlooked in traditional tourism development plans.

Sustainable Tourism for the Next Generation

According to Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), sustainable tourism is not just a trend—it is a responsibility. With tourism contributing significantly to the GDP of countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion, ensuring its long-term sustainability is critical. Thanasarakij emphasized that the new GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, launching in June, will align with this mission, offering a regional roadmap to high-quality tourism that respects cultural heritage, protects the environment, and fosters inclusive growth.

By shifting the focus to local empowerment and sustainability, the DET project reflects a growing recognition that tourism must benefit both travelers and the communities they visit. This inclusive approach allows countries like Cambodia and Vietnam to showcase their unique cultures and natural beauty while preserving them for future generations.

A Model for Responsible Travel

The DET pilot project sets a strong example of what tourism can look like when it is built from the ground up—by and for the people who live in the destinations themselves. From training future tourism professionals to fostering cross-border collaboration, the initiative promotes not just travel, but transformation.

For travelers, it offers a new way to experience Cambodia and Vietnam—one that is rooted in respect, community, and connection. For the communities involved, it’s an opportunity to take the lead in shaping the future of tourism in a waythat serves both people and planet.

For more information, visit:

Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) – https://www.francophonie.org
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) – https://www.mekongtourism.org

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