The Ministry of Environment’s recent National Roads Without Plastic Waste campaign has been supported by Cambodian tourism industry professionals, who say that ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste in public places have played a significant role in raising Cambodia’s profile among international tourists and are a step in the right direction to push Cambodia to become a leader in eco-tourism in Southeast Asia.
According to Bas van der Laan, founder and manager of the Old Cinema Kampot Hotel, environmentally friendly campaigns, such as the Ministry of Environment’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste in public places, are proving increasingly important in boosting the country’s tourism growth.
Speaking to the Khmer Times, he said that foreign visitors to Cambodia are increasingly focused on environmental and sustainability issues.
For example, he said that plastic around Kampot city and along the riverbanks has negatively impacted visitors’ perceptions of Cambodia.
“With the increasing global focus on sustainability and waste management, this will become even more important in the future when travelers decide to visit any of their destinations,” he said.
Hailing the various campaigns initiated by the government and authorities in recent times, he said, “There is a huge opportunity for Cambodia to act on these environmental issues and be recognized as a leading country in Southeast Asia in the global eco-tourism sector.”
He added, “Any measures to address waste management are highly appreciated in the tourism industry.”
Minister of Environment Eang Sophallet, at the launch of the “National Roads Without Plastic Waste” initiative earlier this month, also called on stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to join in reducing waste by organizing plastic waste clean-up activities in their respective locations, while strengthening waste management, plastic waste systems, and public awareness on the issue.
The call for action by the Ministry of Tourism has been welcomed by private sector tourism operators, who are already working hard to reduce plastic waste to ensure a better experience for tourists.
Alexandre Rebibo, owner and operator of Koh Rong Island, Anaya and Tamu Koh Rong, said that maintaining a clean environment in a tourist area like Koh Rong must be a top priority for the long-term development of the sector, and this is something he is happy to be more actively involved in.
He added that initiatives already underway include reducing plastic use, organizing beach cleanups and implementing eco-friendly tourism practices on the island.
He added that both the public and private sectors are increasingly collaborating on these initiatives, including waste management programs and promoting responsible tourism practices across the island.
He said that this work related to environmental conservation is important now and in the future, as the island attracts more tourists than other locations, mainly because it is surrounded by forests.
He added that “while the island’s new international airport could increase accessibility and attract more tourists, when I talk to travel agents and tourists, they are concerned about its environmental impact, especially on a beautiful island like Koh Rong.”
He said that sustainable development is therefore a top priority, which many hotels on the island are taking steps to promote.
This year’s “National Roads Without Plastic” campaign is continuing to build on past successes in waste management and awareness across the country.
In 2024, the campaign to reduce plastic imports led to an 80 percent reduction in plastic imports, according to the Ministry of Environment.
Last year also saw a sharp decline in plastic waste on the roads in 11 provinces, with an 80 percent reduction in waste compared to 2023.
