Eco-tourism Legislation In The Pipeline.

The Ministry of Tourism is preparing a draft law to govern eco-tourism, aiming to keep Cambodia’s tourism industry competitive while protecting the country’s natural heritage. According to a report released yesterday, the draft law—which is still in the early stages of development—will identify the necessary criteria to govern eco-tourism and support local community development. The ministry is collaborating with the french institution University of Toulouse, with extra support from the NGO Acting For LIfe. “Eco-tourism is a new tool to attract foreign tourists and it is a trend that should be focused on to develop our tourism industry,” Tourism Minister Thong Khon said yesterday. “Eco-tourism can benefit local people directly and play an efficient role in reducing poverty.” For more on this story, please click here.