SIEM REAP — According to Duch Sareth, vice president of the Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA), the local community plays a crucial role in the tourism industry, being in fact a driving force of the sector.

Although Siem Reap province already has a substantial number of people involved in community tourism, Sareth notes that some still face challenges when it comes to meeting quality standards.

As he explained, the process of community-tourism development is a long-term endeavor that requires close collaboration among the public sector, private enterprises, and the communities themselves.

But it is worth the effort, Sareth said. Because beyond visiting the temples, this enables tourists to explore local communities, gaining firsthand insight into their way of life, observing their daily activities, and understanding the challenges they face in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.