The Positive and Negative Impacts of Tourism on Cambodia

Cambodia, a nation with a tumultuous history marked by colonization and civil strife, has risen as a land of immense potential in recent years. Emerging from the shadows of its colonial past and the scars of civil wars in the 1970s, Cambodia has embraced tourism as a vehicle for economic growth and international recognition. This essay delves into the multifaceted impact of tourism on Cambodia, highlighting both its positive and negative dimensions. As Cambodia welcomes a growing number of tourists and pursues ambitious development plans, it confronts a confluence of opportunities and challenges.

Positive Effects of Tourism in Cambodia

Under the epithet "The Kingdom of Wonder," Cambodia has strategically marketed itself as a tourist destination (Nhean, 2013). The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has implemented an eight-year plan, spanning from 2012 to 2020, grounded in the country's cultural and natural resources. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes cultural and ecotourism, representing the bedrock of Cambodia's tourism industry and serving as the cornerstone for long-term destination development (RCG, 2012).

The employment potential of tourism in Cambodia is substantial, with the RGC projecting the creation of approximately 800,000 jobs by 2020. Furthermore, the tourism sector is expected to accelerate the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The World Travel and Tourism Council's records substantiate this potential, revealing that Cambodia's tourism sector contributed to a 3.1% growth in GDP and supported six million jobs in 2016 (World Travel and Tourism Council, 2016). Cambodia has garnered recognition as one of the world's foremost destinations for cultural and ecotourism, exemplified by its receipt of the World's Best Tourist Destination award in 2016.

To accommodate the burgeoning demand for air travel, the government has approved the construction of a new airport at a cost of $1.5 billion. This development is deemed essential to accommodate the influx of international visitors, as articulated by Chhay Sivlin, the head of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (Meng and Nhean, 2018).

Negative Effects of Tourism in Cambodia

Despite the positive economic prospects associated with tourism, Cambodia grapples with various adverse consequences. A prominent issue arises from the misbehavior of tourists, especially concerning religious sites, which often leads to offense among the local population. Incidents of nudity-related offenses at the Angkor Wat archaeological park have prompted stricter visitor regulations. Kerya Chau Sun, a member of the Apsara police, underlined the cultural insensitivity of such actions, transcending religious boundaries (Ma and Cripps, 2017).

Another challenging aspect is the perceived bias in government decisions catering to the needs of the country's most significant source of visitors, China. The introduction of a Chinese-ready plan, encompassing a five-year initiative featuring Chinese translations for shop signs and the use of Chinese currency, has raised concerns. This plan has manifested conspicuously in Sihanoukville, where Chinese influence has surged, provoking apprehension among the local community. The influx of Chinese investors has ramifications for local businesses, with deserted beaches, exclusive Chinese-centric casinos, and a shift away from Khmer-owned shops (Fifield, 2018).

Positive and Negative Impacts of Tourism on the Environment of Cambodia

Tourism in Cambodia has had a significant environmental impact, both positive and negative. These environmental consequences have far-reaching implications for the country's ecosystems and natural resources.

Positive Environmental Impacts:

1. Conservation Efforts: Revenue generated from tourism has been channeled into conservation initiatives aimed at protecting Cambodia's natural and cultural heritage sites. This includes funding for the preservation of historical temples like Angkor Wat and the conservation of biodiversity in national parks.
2. Reforestation: In some regions, tourism-driven conservation projects have led to reforestation efforts, helping to restore damaged ecosystems and combat deforestation.

Negative Environmental Impacts:

1. Deforestation: The growth of tourism has contributed to deforestation in Cambodia, particularly in areas near popular destinations like Siem Reap. Forests are cleared to make way for infrastructure development, such as hotels and roads, resulting in habitat loss for numerous plant and animal species.
2. Pollution: Increased tourist activities have led to higher levels of pollution, including water pollution from sewage and waste disposal. This pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems and water quality, affecting both wildlife and local communities.
3. Habitat Destruction: Construction of tourist facilities, such as resorts and golf courses, often involves the destruction of natural habitats. This can disrupt the ecosystems that support Cambodia's unique and diverse wildlife.
4. Overuse of Natural Resources: The demand for water, energy, and other resources in tourist areas can strain local supplies, leading to over-extraction of resources and exacerbating scarcity in already vulnerable regions.
5. Soil Erosion: Activities related to tourism, such as hiking and off-road vehicle tours, can contribute to soil erosion, further degrading natural landscapes.
6. Wildlife Exploitation: The demand for wildlife-based tourism activities, such as elephant rides and visits to wildlife sanctuaries, can contribute to the illegal wildlife trade and the mistreatment and endangerment of animals.

Overall, while tourism has the potential to support environmental conservation efforts in Cambodia, it also poses significant threats to the country's natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Balancing the benefits of tourism with the need to protect and preserve Cambodia's environment requires careful planning, sustainable practices, and a commitment to responsible tourism management to minimize the negative environmental impacts.

Conclusion

The rise of tourism in Cambodia presents a duality of outcomes. On the one hand, it augments the nation's GDP, generates significant employment opportunities, and positions Cambodia as a global tourist hotspot. The ambitious plans for a new airport signify the government's commitment to the sector's expansion. However, the clash of cultures and behaviors, exemplified by disrespectful tourists at religious sites, underscores the need for stricter regulations. Moreover, concerns surrounding the intrusion of foreign investment in places like Sihanoukville demand immediate attention. Cambodia must navigate this intricate landscape to harness the benefits of tourism while preserving its cultural heritage and safeguarding the interests of its citizens.

Works Cited

1. Nhean, P. (2013). 'The Kingdom of Wonder': Cambodia's Destination Branding. In R. Raj & G. Musa (Eds.), Tourism Development in Asia (pp. 139-153). Channel View Publications.
2. Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC). (2012). Cambodia Tourism Marketing Strategy 2012-2020. Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia.
3. World Travel and Tourism Council. (2016). Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2016 Cambodia. World Travel and Tourism Council.
4. Meng, K., & Nhean, P. (2018). Chinese Tourists Driving Southeast Asia Airport Boom. Nikkei Asian Review.
5. Ma, A., & Cripps, K. (2017). Angkor Wat: Tourists behaving badly at Cambodia's sacred site. CNN Travel.
6. Fifield, A. (2018). Cambodia’s Chinese tourism boom sparks concerns over impact. Financial Times.
7. World Bank. (2019). Cambodia: Maximizing the Benefits of Tourism for Inclusive Development. World Bank Group.