Mondulkiri Launches its Tourism Strategic Plan 2014-2018

Mondulkiri, a northeastern province of Cambodia, has recently launched its Tourism Development Strategic Plan 2014-2018 aiming at promoting sustainable development of the tourism sector, said a press release from WWF-Cambodia.

This strategic plan, which was launched on May 17 by the Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Tourism (PDoT) in partnership with WWF, will contribute significantly to the conservation, protection, and preservation of cultural property and natural resources, and cope with global climate change, it pointed out.

The vision of the Provincial Tourism Development Strategic Plan is, by 2018, the number of tourists will be increased to 300,000 to support the livelihoods and the wellbeing of the people in the province, said the press release, adding that the vision will be achieved through considerate use of natural resources and local culture, establishment of small-scale ecotourism and vocational training provision for local communities, diversified tourism products and services, awareness-raising of quality tourism services, and enhanced tourism cooperation with all stakeholders.

“Tourism has been recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia as a top priority sector that significantly contributes to the economic development of the country after rice industry,” said H.E. Yim Lux, Deputy Governor of Mondulkiri province.

“The tourism sector has helped conserve natural resources, culture, and history, alleviate poverty, and help reduce climate change. The event today aims to raise awareness of the opportunity for tourism development and the connection between conservation and tourism to relevant stakeholders to gain their interest and cooperation,” he added.

Under the financial support from WWF-Denmark and DANIDA, WWF-Cambodia has been able to support the Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Tourism in formulating the Strategic Tourism Plan that would effectively generate conservation-based partnership between communities, private sector, national and local government actors and interested parties for the protection of Mondulkiri province and its biodiversity. Conservation is needed in order to establish and promote ecotourism products and services; therefore, it is crucial to balance economic development with conservation through implementation of this plan.

“A sustainable and responsible ecotourism is important in contributing to the preservation and conservation of the diverse natural resources in Cambodia,” said Mr. Chhith Sam Ath, Country Director of WWF-Cambodia. “Apart from saving the environment and helping with conservation efforts, ecotourism also provides income to local people and cut down poverty. WWF has been supporting the 5-year tourism strategic plan of Mondulkiri province by strengthening the capacity of community forestry and community protected forest as well as providing technical support to reinforce quality tourism products and services.”

With the Tourism Strategic Plan in place, local communities will be one of the main actors and beneficiary, and local livelihoods will be improved through increased income and job opportunities. They will also receive training and support to ensure that they will be able to deliver quality tourism services. The plan will also serve as a mechanism contributing to the conservation and preservation of the natural resources and culture of the local people, which are threatened by unsustainable extraction and exploitation of resources.

Sourced: AKP