Aspects of Eco toursim in Cambodia through SWOT analysis

The slide show presents various aspects of ecotourism in Cambodia. It presents a SWOT analysis to fortify the prospects.

1. Ecotourism in Cambodia Key aspects: Diversify, Stimulate, Protect

2. Background & Perspectives Cambodia’s tourism industry is a key contributor to its economic growth (~21% of GDP) Tourism diversification is the new command driving the industry Angkor Wat: statistics show that growth in arrivals to Angkor sites is slowing However, there are reports of decreasing tourist footfalls and government wants to improve its image to capitalize more on tourism. The local skill and capabilities of the ethnic people have not been utilized to the fullest Use of technology is being acknowledged and appreciated in the recent times. Recognition of diversification benefits in the tourism industry* World bank has in its report requested the royal government of Cambodia to invest in ^ :- Diversification (of tourism products), Creation (of jobs via community participation), Stimulation (of rural economies), and Protection (of forest assets). Ref: https://webunwto.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/imported_images/49851/cambodia_full.pdf ; * https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/432031595575149623/pdf/Enabling-Ecotourism-Development-in-Cambodia.pdf ^ https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/432031595575149623/pdf/Enabling-Ecotourism-Development-in-Cambodia.pdf

3. Ecotourism- A SWOT analysis Strengths A dominant rural landscape Biodiversity spots: Unique wildlife, flora and fauna   Agriculture is the mainstay of the Cambodian economy. P refers sustainable tourism Cultural and Natural tourism (Green Gold)* Community-based Ecotourism Example- Virachey National Park  Granting of land rights to local communities World bank’s $50.66 million project for ecotourism and the management of protected areas The country had more than met its 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets , which required protection of at least 17% of land and inland waterbodies and 10% of marine and coastal areas. Weakness Quality of services in comparison to the competition faced from neighboring countries (Vietnam and Thailand) Globally known for just one product (Angkor wat) Lack of trained professionals and use of technology in the tourism field. Mass deforestation and decimation of rainforests Despite two decades of economic growth Poverty and Migration remain a persistent issue among youth Lack of educated elderly people Lack of basic infrastructure in the rural areas Accessibility and flights connectivity Seasonality https://www.khmertimeskh.com/675725/govt-says-it-is-ready-to-tackle-decline-in-tourists-at-angkor/ ; * https://webunwto.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/imported_images/49851/cambodia_full.pdf ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia#Tourism

4. SWOT cont … Threat civil and political unrest leading to threat for Cambodia's reputation as a safe destination for tourism . Experts have cautioned against Chinese investments and developments A narrow approach to tourism: Promoting chiefly Chinese tourist $ Chinese tour operators undercutting local businesses via their Zero Dollar schemes* Prevalence of Chinese payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay* Over tourism may lead to loss of key species destabilizes entire ecosystems Concerns on governments' recent incorporation of Sub-decree No. 30 into law # : >30% of Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary land now not protected areas. Opportunities Use of technology and trained workforce to boost tourism footfall Improvement to the rural infrastructure Promotion of Homestays Heritage culture corridors Waterways tourism (Mangroves forest) Use of media and technology to improve the communication and reach to the rural communities Competitive scores can be improved focusing on niche areas or areas of strength. Identification of rich cultural past Documentation of Phyto diversity, tribal aspects and culture. Indigenous population, ethnic minorities and poverty reduction through community participation* Make best use of local people skills and capabilities. Work toward community empowerment $ Capacity building of local authorities Improvement of healthcare via traditional healthcare approaches Financial and income generation services * https://news.mongabay.com/2022/02/how-a-dirty-gambling-company-may-have-set-the-standard-for-destruction-in-cambodia/ ; https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/28021/indigenous-peoples-cambodia.pdf $ https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/cambodia-eyes-influx-chinese-travellers # https://news.mongabay.com/2022/02/endangered-wildlife-face-perilous-future-as-vital-habitat-loses-protection-in-cambodia/ $ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09669582.2022.2039678