Cambodia Advances New Green Tourism Strategy as Phnom Penh Launches Plastic-Free Tourism Zones Initiative to Reduce Pollution, Protect Destinations and Improve Visitor Experiences

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

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July 25, 2026 1:17 PM

Cambodia has made great strides towards building its sustainable tourism strategy by organizing a workshop on establishing plastic-free tourism zones in Phnom Penh. This move is geared towards fighting against plastic pollution and ensuring the destination stays clean while working towards becoming a major green tourism destination in the region. The workshop took place on 20 July 2026 at the Ministry of Tourism where the government officials, tourism industry participants, local administrators, environmental stakeholders and businesses attended to discuss ways of reducing plastic use in tourism zones.

The program was initiated under the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and is a demonstration of the country’s commitment to develop sustainable tourism through environmental preservation, community involvement and economic sustainability. Through this program, plastic reduction mechanisms will be developed in tourism zones and thus improving experiences of visitors while conserving natural resources that serve as attractions for visitors.

Government and Partners Unite to Support Plastic-Free Tourism Development

The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Chhun Makara, Director General of the General Department of Tourism Industry Management and representative of H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, UNDP Cambodia, local government authorities, district officials, commune representatives and tourism business operators. During the opening remarks, appreciation was expressed for the continued cooperation and technical as well as financial support provided by UNDP Cambodia in supporting Cambodia’s sustainability-focused tourism initiatives.

The collaboration demonstrates the importance of partnerships between government agencies, international organisations and private sector stakeholders in creating effective environmental solutions within the tourism industry. The involvement of tourism businesses is considered essential because hotels, restaurants, attractions and other visitor-related services play a direct role in reducing single-use plastic consumption and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Plastic-Free Tourism Zones Support Cambodia’s Circular Economy Goals

The initiative aligns with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, which highlights the importance of sustainable development and advancing the circular economy. The creation of plastic-free tourism zones represents part of Cambodia’s broader approach to balancing tourism growth with environmental responsibility. Instead of focusing only on increasing visitor numbers, the strategy encourages destinations to improve quality, cleanliness and long-term sustainability.

The circular economy approach aims to reduce waste by encouraging better resource management, recycling practices and responsible consumption patterns. Within tourism, these principles can help reduce environmental pressure while maintaining the economic benefits generated by visitor activity. For Phnom Penh, the initiative could contribute to creating cleaner public spaces, improving the appearance of tourism areas and strengthening the city’s reputation as an environmentally conscious destination.

Green Season Campaign Gains Support Through Cleaner Tourism Destinations

The establishment of plastic-free tourism zones is also expected to support Cambodia’s Visit Cambodia in Green Season campaign, which promotes travel experiences during the country’s environmentally significant green period. The initiative is connected with efforts to improve destination quality through the Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, and Hospitality movement. These programmes aim to encourage tourism businesses and local communities to improve cleanliness standards and create more attractive visitor environments.

Cleaner tourism destinations can strengthen Cambodia’s appeal among travellers increasingly interested in sustainable experiences. International visitors are placing greater importance on destinations that demonstrate environmental responsibility, community involvement and conservation efforts. By reducing plastic waste in tourism areas, Phnom Penh can enhance its urban image while encouraging visitors to experience the city through a more sustainable travel approach.

Authorities Encouraged to Reduce Plastic Waste Across Tourism Areas

During the workshop, authorities, tourism operators and local communities were encouraged to work together in developing practical plastic reduction measures across cities and major tourism locations. Special attention was given to areas surrounding Cambodia’s important waterways, including the Mekong River, Tonle Sap River and Tonle Bassac River. These waterways are closely connected with Cambodia’s tourism identity and support various cultural, environmental and economic activities. Reducing plastic waste in these areas is considered important for protecting ecosystems and maintaining attractive destinations for visitors.

Tourism businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants and attractions, are expected to play an important role by adopting sustainable practices such as reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management and promoting environmentally friendly alternatives. The participation of local authorities will also be essential in ensuring that sustainability measures are implemented effectively at community level.

Phnom Penh Strengthens Position as a Future Green Tourism Destination

The development of plastic-free tourism zones in Phnom Penh reflects Cambodia’s evolving approach to tourism management. As global travel patterns increasingly shift towards responsible and environmentally aware experiences, destinations are being encouraged to adopt stronger sustainability measures. Phnom Penh, as Cambodia’s capital and a major gateway for international visitors, has an important role in demonstrating how urban tourism can integrate environmental protection with economic development.

Cleaner streets, improved waste management and reduced plastic pollution can enhance the overall visitor experience while supporting the city’s long-term tourism competitiveness. The initiative also supports Cambodia’s broader goal of becoming a high-quality tourism destination by combining hospitality, cultural experiences and environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Tourism Strategy Creates New Opportunities for Cambodia’s Travel Sector

The creation of plastic-free zones in the country is one of the ways Cambodia strives to ensure that its tourism sector becomes sustainable. It integrates the protection of the environment with the development of tourism through collaboration among various entities, including the government, international organizations, firms, and locals. With the expansion of tourism, sustainable management of the destinations will play a vital role in preserving the country’s natural and cultural resources.

The Phnom Penh workshop plays a significant role in the creation of strategies to minimize plastic pollution and enhance tourists experiences. Through the implementation of green tourism initiatives in the future, Cambodia seeks to solidify its position as a responsible destination where tourists can explore cultural sites, natural environments, and urban areas in the country within a sustainable environment. The creation of plastic-free zones may form part of Cambodia’s tourism strategy in the future.

Image Source: Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia