A campaign to promote Cambodia to the French-speaking European market is gaining momentum, with the Kingdom’s first carbon neutral international event hosted under #DestinationCambodge2024 as part of plans to promote the country as a sustainable destination.
The campaign, which is the brainchild of Jacques Guichandut, official representative of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism for Belgium, France, Monaco and Switzerland, aims to boost the nation’s tourism presence in French-speaking Europe amid strong regional competition.
A choir performance during Cambodia’s first carbon neutral international event which aims to promote the Kingdom as a sustainable destination
Guichandut, also founder of All Dreams Cambodia, said: “Our objectives are clear, to deeply penetrate the French-speaking European tourism market, showcase Cambodia’s cultural diversity to the public and industry professionals, develop Cambodia as a sustainable destination, and establish a strong global tourism brand for the country.”
A major part of the campaign has seen an annual calendar of collaborative events drawn up, including a Cambodian fashion show in Paris, an Iron Man rally in Cambodia and the Kingdom’s first carbon neutral international event in the form of Phnom Penh First International Choir Competition.
Achieving carbon neutrality involved calculating the carbon footprint, encompassing emissions from participants’ travel, venue operations, accommodation and related activities.
Strategies were also implemented to minimise emissions, such as using energy-efficient technologies, promoting sustainable transportation options and reducing waste. To offset the remaining emissions, investment was made in verified carbon offset projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Guichandut stated that moving forward, organising sustainable events will form a key part of the campaign while positioning Cambodia as a sustainable destination.
“In today’s global context, hosting sustainable events is increasingly vital. They not only mitigate environmental impacts but also align with corporate social responsibility objectives, enhance organisational reputation and meet regulatory requirements,” stated Guichandut.
“Sustainable events are resilient against future environmental challenges and contribute positively to global climate goals.”
Guichandut added that while not every event in the campaign will be carbon-neutral, key activities have been identified. These include events organised around the Francophonie Summit in Paris in October, which Cambodia is preparing to host in 2026.
“These events present significant platforms to showcase Cambodia’s commitment to sustainability on an international stage,” he said, adding that for upcoming events in Paris, the carbon impact of select initiatives organised in collaboration with the Cambodian government will be calculated.
“This initiative represents a pivotal opportunity for Cambodia to lead by example in sustainable event management, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and contributing to global efforts in tackling climate change.”
A campaign to promote Cambodia to the French-speaking European market is gaining momentum, with the Kingdom’s first carbon neutral international event hosted under #DestinationCambodge2024 as part of plans to promote the country as a sustainable destination.
The campaign, which is the brainchild of Jacques Guichandut, official representative of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism for Belgium, France, Monaco and Switzerland, aims to boost the nation’s tourism presence in French-speaking Europe amid strong regional competition.
Guichandut, also founder of All Dreams Cambodia, said: “Our objectives are clear, to deeply penetrate the French-speaking European tourism market, showcase Cambodia’s cultural diversity to the public and industry professionals, develop Cambodia as a sustainable destination, and establish a strong global tourism brand for the country.”
A major part of the campaign has seen an annual calendar of collaborative events drawn up, including a Cambodian fashion show in Paris, an Iron Man rally in Cambodia and the Kingdom’s first carbon neutral international event in the form of Phnom Penh First International Choir Competition.
Achieving carbon neutrality involved calculating the carbon footprint, encompassing emissions from participants’ travel, venue operations, accommodation and related activities.
Strategies were also implemented to minimise emissions, such as using energy-efficient technologies, promoting sustainable transportation options and reducing waste. To offset the remaining emissions, investment was made in verified carbon offset projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Guichandut stated that moving forward, organising sustainable events will form a key part of the campaign while positioning Cambodia as a sustainable destination.
“In today’s global context, hosting sustainable events is increasingly vital. They not only mitigate environmental impacts but also align with corporate social responsibility objectives, enhance organisational reputation and meet regulatory requirements,” stated Guichandut.
“Sustainable events are resilient against future environmental challenges and contribute positively to global climate goals.”
Guichandut added that while not every event in the campaign will be carbon-neutral, key activities have been identified. These include events organised around the Francophonie Summit in Paris in October, which Cambodia is preparing to host in 2026.
“These events present significant platforms to showcase Cambodia’s commitment to sustainability on an international stage,” he said, adding that for upcoming events in Paris, the carbon impact of select initiatives organised in collaboration with the Cambodian government will be calculated.
“This initiative represents a pivotal opportunity for Cambodia to lead by example in sustainable event management, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and contributing to global efforts in tackling climate change.”