THE Cambodia Hotel Association is undergoing a restructure following a decision by newly elected Siem Reap office bearers to dispense with a “gentleman’s agreement” regarding its national presidency.

The industry lobby group was formed in June 2005 by the merging of two associations – the Phnom Penh Hotels Association and the Siem Reap Hotels and Guest House Association. A subsequent informal agreement stated that the presidency would alternate between cities after elections every two years.

Last week, Sokha Angkor Resort’s general manager Emmett McHenry was voted as president of the association’s Siem Reap chapter.

In normal circumstances this would mean he would automatically become the national president, replacing the Phnom Penh’s Luu Meng, owner of the Almond Hotel.

But following his election, Mr McHenry said that he would not seek the national presidency. Instead he threw support behind Luu Meng to re-elect him as president for a second term.

McHenry said: “It’s much more practical for the association to be run from Phnom Penh where the ministry offices and infrastructure are.”

Luu Meng said he endorsed the Siem Reap move, and added that this would also help the association expand into Sihanoukville and boost the current national membership of 40 hotels.