H.E. HUOT Hak Launches Entrepreneurship Support Program in Kampong Thom, Strengthening SMEs, Local Economic Growth and Sustainable Tourism Development in Cambodia

Mr. H.U. HAK, Mininster for Tourism and member of the Working Group of the Royal Government for the Province of Kampong Thom, participated in the inauguration of the Entrepreneurship Support Program Cluster in Kampong Thom Province. This ceremony took place under the presidency of H.E. VONGSEY Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Office of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Working Group of the Royal Government for the Province of Kampong Thom.

This program is a strategic attempt at developing entrepreneurial activities and promoting SMEs while reinforcing the relation between economic development and sustainable tourism development.

Strengthening Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development

The Entrepreneurship Support Program Cluster is designed to build a robust ecosystem for local businesses, providing training, mentorship, and access to resources that help SMEs grow. By creating opportunities for skill development and market integration, the program aims to stimulate job creation, income diversification, and economic resilience in Kampong Thom Province.

By focusing on local entrepreneurship, the initiative also positions the province to capitalize on tourism growth, connecting cultural, historical, and natural assets with business opportunities. Small businesses in areas such as hospitality, handicrafts, eco-tourism, and local food production can benefit directly from increased visitor engagement and market exposure.

Inclusive Tourism as a Driver of Community Prosperity

A unique dimension of this program is its emphasis on inclusive tourism opportunities. The initiative aims to integrate local communities into the tourism value chain, ensuring that economic benefits reach a broad spectrum of residents, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.

By equipping local entrepreneurs with the skills to offer tourism-related services—such as guided tours, homestays, cultural experiences, and artisanal products—communities can participate in and benefit from the growth of the tourism sector. Inclusive tourism not only provides income but also strengthens cultural preservation and enhances visitor experiences by offering authentic, community-driven insights.

H.E. HUOT Hak emphasized that tourism development must serve local people as much as it attracts visitors. “By fostering entrepreneurship and inclusive tourism, we create pathways for communities to engage directly with visitors, showcase their culture and heritage, and benefit from economic growth in a sustainable way,” he said.

Integrating SMEs into Kampong Thom’s Tourism Economy

The program also seeks to develop tourism-linked SMEs capable of supporting and enhancing visitor experiences in Kampong Thom. Key components include:

• Hospitality training: Preparing local entrepreneurs to manage homestays, guesthouses, and small hotels that offer authentic experiences.
• Cultural and heritage products: Assisting artisans and performers to create and market crafts, cultural performances, and immersive experiences.
• Sustainable tourism practices: Encouraging eco-friendly approaches that preserve local resources while providing economic opportunities.
• Market access: Helping businesses connect with regional and international tourism networks, including online platforms and travel agencies.

By strengthening SME capacity in these areas, Kampong Thom can expand its tourism offerings while ensuring that economic gains are distributed inclusively.

High-Level Government Support and Collaboration

The presence of H.E. VONGSEY Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, underscores the government’s commitment to using entrepreneurship as a tool for inclusive economic growth. The coordination between ministries, local authorities, and development partners demonstrates a unified strategy to leverage tourism as a vehicle for poverty reduction, employment generation, and community empowerment.

The Royal Government of Cambodia recognizes that inclusive entrepreneurship in tourism strengthens the social and economic fabric of provinces like Kampong Thom, while also enhancing the country’s appeal as a culturally rich and visitor-friendly destination.

Tourism-Led Inclusive Growth Opportunities

The program is designed not only to support entrepreneurs but also to expand tourism access to local communities. Inclusive tourism opportunities foster interactions between visitors and residents, allowing tourists to experience authentic cultural practices, traditional crafts, and local cuisines. This approach aligns with global trends in sustainable and community-based tourism, where traveler demand is increasingly focused on immersive, socially responsible experiences.

Programs under the cluster may include:

• Community-based tours: Guided experiences led by local residents highlighting Kampong Thom’s history, ecology, and traditions.
• Cultural workshops: Visitors can participate in handicraft making, cooking classes, or cultural performances, creating income opportunities while preserving heritage.
• Eco-tourism initiatives: Leveraging natural sites for responsible tourism activities such as guided walks, bird-watching, or conservation-focused volunteering.

Such initiatives empower local communities, generate additional revenue streams, and foster a sense of ownership in tourism development.

Skills Development and Capacity Building

Training is a cornerstone of the Entrepreneurship Support Program Cluster. The initiative offers workshops on:

• Business management and planning: Enhancing skills to manage operations, budgets, and marketing.
• Digital literacy: Enabling entrepreneurs to leverage online platforms for promotion and sales.
• Tourism customer service: Teaching hospitality and guest engagement best practices.
• Sustainable practices: Guiding SMEs on environmentally and socially responsible business operations.

These programs ensure that local businesses are equipped to meet the growing demand for high-quality, authentic, and inclusive tourism services.

Long-Term Economic Impact

The launch of the cluster in Kampong Thom is expected to generate several long-term benefits:

• Expanded local SME ecosystem: More businesses capable of serving tourists and supplying regional markets.
• Increased employment opportunities: Jobs in hospitality, cultural production, guiding, and other tourism-linked sectors.
• Diversified provincial economy: Reduced dependence on single industries by integrating tourism, craft production, and services.
• Stronger cultural preservation: As communities engage directly with visitors, traditional knowledge, crafts, and performance arts gain renewed value.

By targeting inclusive tourism, the program ensures economic benefits are widely shared while creating a more dynamic, resilient, and visitor-friendly tourism landscape.

Strategic Vision for Kampong Thom Province

H.E. HUOT Hak and the Royal Government Working Group envision the cluster as a model for sustainable provincial development that leverages entrepreneurship and tourism as twin engines of economic growth. The initiative highlights a forward-looking approach that connects provincial priorities—job creation, SME growth, cultural preservation—with the national agenda for tourism expansion and inclusive development.

As Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to expand, initiatives like this cluster can attract more international visitors while ensuring communities directly benefit from increased travel. The program supports the creation of high-value, experience-based tourism products that appeal to international and domestic markets alike.

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Inclusive Tourism Growth

The inception of the Entrepreneurship Support Program Cluster demonstrates the strategic effort by the province to develop tourism-related economic development in an inclusive manner. Combining entrepreneurship development, skills development, and tourism potential provides the ideal platform for sustainable economic development for both the local population and tourists visiting the region.

As a result, Kampong Thom will be at the forefront in the provision of inclusive tourism development among the provinces in the country. With the support from the government in building the capacity of locals and investing in community-based programs, the province will provide the ideal example of sustainable tourism development in the country.

Image Source: Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia