Harnessing Opportunities through Play and Education

HOPE took full part in the organisation and facilitation of World Responsible Tourism Day in Siem Reap, ensuring that the date was marked and celebrated raising awareness of how the tourism industry can play an active part in supporting their local community and environment they operate in. Its aim was to bring together all spectrums of the tourism industry and a variety of NGO’s and charities in a networking environment, displaying exactly how the tourism industry can contribute to responsible tourism.  

Usually a trek from one side of Siem Reap to the other, depending on mode of transport, doesn’t take longer than 15 minutes. Think again… on world responsible day, which just happened to coincide with the annual water festival, it took almost an hour to get from one side of town to the other and even then people were ditching their cars and jumping on motos to get to the networking event at Angkor Palace Resort and Spa on time. It was a clear night (no rain!!) perfect for a good turnout of about 70 people. 

Networking began from 6.30pm with background music from the Landmine Victims band, and canapés and drinks, hosted by Angkor Palace Resort and Spa, were served. An introductory welcome speech by Thomas Holdo Hansen (www.angkorhotels.org) was given in reference to Responsible tourism and the role we can play, followed by Plan International’s Program Unit Manager Sophray Pich (www.plan-international.org).

Sophray presented Plan International’s community involvement and poverty alleviation commitment utilising tourism services through a number of presentation slides. Speaking in Khmer she reached out to the locals whom attended the event, emphasising that the event was held for all stakeholders, whom have a commitment to the community they operate in. Lastly, Michael Horton from ConCERT (www.concertcambodia.org) announced the launch of the newly created Cambodian based NGO bringing together tourism enterprises, the NGOs and charities.

Presentation tables were set up representing different spheres of community development work including Schools for Children of Cambodia whom encourage visitors in Siem Reap to attend organised school open days and see firsthand how their operation works. For more information have a look at www.schools4cambodia.org/content/VisitSCC.aspx.

Angkor Center for Conservation and Biodiversity were also represented. They encourage tourists to see their work in action out at Kabl Spean (http://www.accb-cambodia.org/en/background.php).

Osmose and The Silk Lab displayed and sold their wares to a captive audience. Osmose even got a large order for its dried water hyacinth products for the Angkor Palace! These were just two examples of how community development project products can be sold in tourism establishments in order for tourists to buy.

In addition, both the Silk Lab and Osmose produce items for decorative use in hotels and restaurants. For example large floor mats or pillows and cushion covers. See how the Soria Moria Hotel, denoted by Heritage Friendly Business as one of the best role models of sustainable tourism development in Cambodia, work with these projects ensuring a win win situation at http://www.thesoriamoria.com/community.php

For more information on products and contact details visit http://www.sangkheum.org/silklab/index.php and http://www.osmosetonlesap.net/english/accueil.php.

The Norwegian Development Organisation (NEDO - www.nedo.no) brought along a couple of bicycles to display and a selection of lovecards demonstrating exactly how their operation directly connects the tourism industry with communities. Bicycles for hire and lovecards sold at local hotels and guesthouses puts the tourist $ straight into NEDO’s educational and development projects.

Pepy Ride (http://www.pepyride.org/) were also there to displaying their work, alongside Touchstone Magazine in conjunction with Heritage Watch http://www.heritagewatch.org/ , HOPE (Harnessing Opportunities through Play and Education) and local craftsman including artists and shadow puppet leather crafters.

The prize draw was won by Deborah Groves from Helping Hands (www.helpinghandscambodia.com) and Eng Panarith from locally owned guesthouse My Home Tropical Garden Villa.

We are considering running another event early next year due the success and popularity! Please feel free to contact us trustees@hopeforcambodia.org.uk should you require further information, exhibit or be sent an invitation!