A Voice from Cambodia: Youth Perspectives for a Tourism Revival

By Punloeuvivorth ROM, MLC Youth Tourism Ambassador – Cambodia

Cambodia is a country that lives and breathes stories. They are carved into the ancient stones of Angkor, carried through the chants of monks in rural pagodas, sung in folk songs by elders, and shared in the smiles of families welcoming visitors into their homes. From the mighty Mekong to the floating villages of Tonle Sap, from forested ecotourism sites to bustling local markets, Cambodia offers more than scenic beauty. It offers meaning. And that meaning is deeply connected to the people who live here, especially the young.

As a young Cambodian, I see tourism not just as a sector, but as a way of life for many communities. It brings in income, yes, but more than that, it creates opportunities for connection, dignity, and pride. Tourism has introduced the world to our heritage and resilience. It has helped preserve our traditions, revive our crafts, and support our families. For young people like me, it is also a pathway to creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

But tourism in Cambodia is not without challenges. Some destinations are overused while others are overlooked. Some communities are thriving from tourism while others remain on the margins. Environmental concerns are growing, and cultural integrity can sometimes be at risk. These challenges cannot be solved by one institution alone. They need fresh thinking, collaboration, and local action. This is where youth come in.

Across Cambodia, young people are already making a difference. From social media influencers promoting ethical travel, to students volunteering with community-based tourism groups, to entrepreneurs building digital platforms that support local guides and artisans, Cambodian youth are not waiting for change, they are making it happen. What we often lack is not motivation, but visibility, support, and recognition.

That is why I see the MLC Youth Tourism Ambassador Program as more than a platform. It is a call to action for youth across Cambodia and the Mekong-Lancang region. It is a way to show that we are not just participants in tourism, we are leaders who care about the direction it takes. We are the storytellers, the connectors, and the problem-solvers who can bridge local knowledge with global trends.

As an Ambassador, I want to help amplify the voices of communities who rarely get heard. I want to support rural tourism initiatives that offer visitors a real glimpse into Cambodian life not just our monuments, but our music, our food, our festivals, our landscapes, and our values. I want to use the tools we have, from digital storytelling to grassroots events, to highlight the importance of sustainability and responsible travel, especially for the next generation.

Cambodia is not just Angkor Wat. It is the rolling rice fields of Battambang, the pepper farms of Kampot, the indigenous cultures of Ratanakiri, the mangroves of Koh Kong, and the quiet resilience of communities rebuilding after decades of hardship. Each of these places holds potential. Each deserves to be part of our tourism future. And each can benefit when youth are empowered to lead.

The MLC Youth Tourism Ambassador Program brings together young changemakers from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam to learn, collaborate, and lead by example. We may come from different countries and backgrounds, but we share a common belief: that tourism can be a tool for good when it is led with purpose, respect, and care for communities.

I am inspired by the chance to represent Cambodian youth. It means standing for values like sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural pride. It means sharing ideas with peers from across the region and bringing those lessons home to support local communities in meaningful ways. It means being part of something bigger than myself, rooted in cooperation and driven by action.

This initiative is more than a program. It is a growing network of young people who believe that tourism should reflect the values of our generation. It empowers us to use our voice, creativity, and energy to support real impact where it matters most.

To my fellow youth across Cambodia and the wider Mekong-Lancang region, I say this: you already have what it takes. You understand your communities. You know your culture. You live the reality. Whether you are from an urbanized city, a remote village, a mountain community, or a riverside town, your voice matters. Your ideas matter. And your leadership is needed now more than ever.

Together, we can protect what makes our countries unique, while helping tourism grow in ways that are inclusive, respectful, and future-ready. The future of tourism is not something distant, it is something we shape every day through the choices we make, the stories we tell, and the people and places we choose to uplift.

I am proud to be part of this journey, not just as a representative of Cambodian youth, but as one among many young people across our region who are committed to ensuring that tourism becomes a tool for empowerment, for conservation, and for connection across borders.