New project empowers communities through sustainable tourism in Cambodia and Viet Nam

The DET project empowers women, youth, and rural
communities while boosting tourism competitiveness

Empowering Communities Through Purposeful Travel

Tourism in Southeast Asia is entering a transformative chapter as a new pilot project seeks to reshape the way we travel. Launched under the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie’s (OIF) Destination Eco-Talents (DET) initiative, this program is more than just a tourism strategy — it is a movement toward inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable development.

With Cambodia and Vietnam chosen as pilot countries, the initiative aims to empower women, youth, and rural communities through education, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship.

Strengthening Roots While Creating Opportunity

The project’s heart lies in its people. By developing tourism offerings that are inclusive and eco-conscious, the DET project opens doors for communities often excluded from mainstream tourism benefits. Rural families, young entrepreneurs, and local artisans are now placed at the center of travel experiences.

Adjara Diouf, project coordinator at REPAP/OIF, highlights the need for a more equitable tourism industry, stating that “nobody is left behind in this project.” Through carefully tailored training programs and skill-building, local residents gain the tools to actively participate in, and benefit from, their region’s tourism economy.

Building Knowledge, Boosting Competitiveness

A key feature of the project is the establishment of DET Centres in each pilot country, with the first located in Siem Reap. These hubs will serve as spaces for education, training, and product promotion, while also fostering awareness around sustainable travel practices. Visitors and locals alike can engage with workshops, discover locally made products, and learn about the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.

With a strong focus on professional development, the project also ensures that the next generation is equipped to take the reins of a more conscious tourism sector.

Toward a Unifip0-n for Sustainable Tourism

The DET initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to elevate the quality and impact of tourism. Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, executive director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), underscores the importance of balance: enjoying tourism’s economic benefits without compromising the environment or local culture.

As part of this vision, the upcoming GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 will map out a comprehensive path for the Greater Mekong Subregion, building toward a future where sustainable and inclusive tourism is the norm rather than the exception.

A Long-Term Investment in People and Planet

Running until 2027, the DET project is a long-term commitment to reshaping the region’s tourism identity. By placing community well-being and environmental sustainability at the core, this initiative is setting a new standard for how tourism can uplift rather than disrupt.

It’s not only a model for Cambodia and Vietnam, but a potential blueprint for responsible tourism across the globe — proving that travel, when done right, can truly change lives.

Discover More About the DET Initiative

           
Website: https://www.francophonie.org

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