Tourism with a conscience

The idea of “socially responsible” tourism is catching on in Cambodia. While Angkor Wat continues to draw tourists for its majestic splendor, Phnom Penh for its hip Euro-Asian vibe and nightlife, Sihanoukville for its pristine beaches and sunsets over the Gulf of Thailand, there is a growing list of tourist groups who want to do something to help the many in this country who are suffering and destitute.

A growing number of Non-Government Organizations are sponsoring holiday trips in which tourists can help build schools or deliver goods to the needy. At the airport in Taipei, we met a man who donates money to a group that helps rescue children who eke out livings scrounging scraps of metal and glass from the dumps on the outskirts of town. The man was going to visit the group and a girl he helps to sponsor.

Near our hotel in Phnom Penh there were several ads touting good deeds that can be done. At an Internet cafe, was a poster urging tourists to visit and bring goods to several orphanages nearby. Another store proclaimed all its proceeds went to benefit a local NGO.

Such things won't change the fortunes of Cambodia. But they are a step in that direction.

-- Greg