At the heart of ‘One Vision, One Siem Reap’ held last July 12, 2024 at Rose Apple Square, was a shared commitment: sustainability and growth in Siem Reap can only be achieved through a synergy between public initiatives and private endeavors. Each speaker delivered a resonating message—a call for a cross-sector collaboration that uplifts, modernizes, and amplifies the unique qualities of Siem Reap.
Here are six key takeaways from our discussion:
1. Tourism & Hospitality: Promoting Collaboration
- Public-Private Synergy – Siem Reap Tourism Club President, Philip Kao recognizes that despite Siem Reap’s popularity, many aspects of its tourism potential remain unexplored. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sector to explore Siem Reap’s full potential as a tourist destination.
- Modernization through Technology – Leveraging technology to modernize Siem Reap’s tourism infrastructure is crucial. Tech solutions can make travel more accessible and improve visitor experiences, keeping Siem Reap competitive globally.
2. Environmental Sustainability: Leading by Example
- Innovative Practices – Katrine Solhaug, Owner of Babel Hotels shared their commitment to sustainability by eliminating single-use plastics and implementing eco-friendly operations.
- Support for Local Economy – Babel Hotels’ zero-waste bulk shop promotes local products and supports local employment, reducing the environmental impact of tourism.
- Community Engagement – During the COVID-19 pandemic, Babel Hotels supported their staff and local Tuk Tuk drivers through successful fundraising, demonstrating strong community support.
3. Real Estate & Investing: Navigating Market Dynamics
- Market Trends – David Granger, IPS Siem Reap Branch Director, discussed Siem Reap’s real estate market, noting pre-pandemic activity, the impact of COVID-19, and the current buyer’s market due to property oversupply.
- Investment Opportunities – Granger highlighted growth areas like strata-title condos and Western-style villas, which are in high demand and offer substantial rental returns.
- Future Outlook – Despite pandemic challenges, the market shows signs of recovery, with ongoing urban development and demand for higher living standards.
4. Technology and Innovation: Building a Smart Future
- Tech Integration – Chris Varin, Siem Reap Branch Manager for Confluences, stressed the importance of technology in advancing Siem Reap’s infrastructure, underscoring its ability to propel progress and modernization. Adapting to technological advancements is seen as pivotal for the region to keep pace with global innovations and enhance its appeal as a premier destination and a hub for tech entrepreneurship.
- Business-Friendly Environment – Modernizing systems to facilitate business operations can make Siem Reap more attractive for new enterprises. Varin pointed out that implementing user-friendly, efficient processes not only benefits current stakeholders but also positions Siem Reap as a nurturing ground for innovation and entrepreneurship,
- Sector Advancements – Varin emphasized technological enhancements in sectors like sports, education, healthcare, and tourism, envisioning a tech-driven urban environment.
- Innovative Cultural Preservation – The upcoming Immersive Angkor project stands as a hallmark of Siem Reap’s commitment to melding technological innovation with cultural heritage preservation. Announced by Confluences and Iconem, and in collaboration with the Apsara Authority, this immersive museum represents the first of its kind dedicated to the Khmer heritage.
5. Community Development: Empowering the Youth
- Education & Training – SPOONS Director Sophany Mao, emphasized empowering Cambodian youths through education and training in hospitality, with a focus on sustainable practices.
- Skill Development – SPOONS provides vocational training, equipping youths with essential skills for the modern workplace, ensuring they can succeed in competitive job markets.
- Cultural Preservation – SPOONS celebrates Cambodian heritage through authentic cuisine and reinvests profits into training programs, supporting local community development.
6. Arts & Culture: Preserving Heritage
- Cultural Resilience – Artisans Angkor Co-Founder Phloeun Prim highlighted Siem Reap’s resilience, optimistic about its recovery driven by a rich arts and culture scene. He pointed out that these cultural treasures not only draw tourists but are central to fostering a strong and vibrant community.
- Quality Tourism – Focusing on attracting tourists interested in engaging with local culture contributes to sustainable tourism.
- New Attractions – Phloeun also shared the reopening of the Silk Farm by Artisans Angkor to help enrich the cultural experience for tourists and provide insight into Cambodian traditions.
PLUS! Major Tourism Upgrade Announcement
Wat Bo, SIem Reap
H.E. Yun Linne, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Provincial Administration, and representatives from the Tourism Department were also present at this pivotal event, where they made an exciting announcement about major tourism developments:
- Major Urban Renewal Project – H.E. Yun Linne announced an ambitious plan to create a third tourist hotspot in Siem Reap, focusing on the Riverside and Wat Bo surrounding area. This 40-hectare project aims to revitalize the city’s charm and complement existing attractions like the Angkor Archaeological Park and vibrant Pub Street.
- Promotion of Environmental Sustainability – As part of the urban and touristic development, a green campaign was launched focused on extensive planting of trees along the newly developed roads and various districts in Siem Reap.
‘One Vision, One Siem Reap’ marks just the beginning of an ambitious journey towards a sustainable and vibrant future for our community. As we foster partnerships and leverage innovation, Siem Reap stands poised for comprehensive, sustainable development.
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‘One Vision, One Siem Reap – An event by IPS Cambodia and Urban Living Solutions, in cooperation with Siem Reap Tourism Club, and organized by Phoenix Lab Asia.
