Youth forum

What are the impacts of expatriate tourists in Cambodia?

Long Sovanndara, 20, Norton University

“THE presence of foreign tourists in Cambodia will contribute to poverty reduction and development of the tourism sector, as well as economic growth. However, we need to focus on environmental issues, as well as the price of products sold to tourists. A healthy environment will make everyone happy, and they will visit Cambodia again. And tourists should not be overcharged for goods and services, for two reasons: to avoid Cambodia gaining a bad reputation, and to allow tourists to enjoy themselves and not be constantly distracted by worrying whether they are being charged too much. “

Him Sothearoth, 20, Institute of Foreign Languages, international studies

“EXPATRIATE tourists have generated a lot of job opportunities and income for Cambodian people,  particularly in destinations such as Angkor Wat and Sihanoukville. And, as the number of foreign tourists has risen, many foreign investors have begun to recognise business opportunities in the Cambodian tourism market, investing billions of dollars in hotels and restaurants.”

Sambath Amarak Vipasiny, 19, Institute of Foreign Languages, international studies

“IT’S undeniable that some people come to Cambodia not just for leisure; a small number of them consider Cambodia a safe haven for child trafficking and other forms of sexual abuse. More attention is being focused on this issue, and many of the culprits have been punished by the courts, but the problem has not gone away and we cannot  ignore it.”

Sokhema Nara, 19, University of Cambodia

“IT’S noticeable that in areas where there are more expatriate tourists, our people can speak good English, which will help them in their future careers and further education. Overseas visitors also bring new ideas that help to modernise our society, as well as spreading the word about their time in Cambodia, which helps attract more tourists to our country. But this can be bad for our traditions, as some young Cambodians follow foreign styles of dressing and behaviour too slavishly.”

Khoun Theara, 21, University of Cambodia

“IT raises awareness nationwide about national cultural and environmental conservation in the sense that by preserving these cultural and natural heritage sites, traditional arts and the like, all stakeholders in this sector will continue to reap benefits from foreign tourists. But there are some side-effects from tourism as well. If not appropriately controlled, it will lead to a loss of cultural identity through inappropriate foreign cultural influences and lifestyles. Another concern is the proliferation of trans-national crimes such as prostitution and drug trafficking, transmitted fatal diseases and other non-traditional security threats tourists bring with them.”

By Chan Soratha