Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2017 6:11 pm
Interesting article from the Globe about the rise of eco-tourism ventures in Mondulkiri, and how some operators are exploiting this greeny tourist trend.
Taking a walk on the wild side with Mondulkiri’s eco-tourism outfits
By: Claire Knox - POSTED ON: August 17, 2017 | Cambodia
Taking a walk on the wild side with Mondulkiri’s eco-tourism outfits
By: Claire Knox - POSTED ON: August 17, 2017 | Cambodia
http://sea-globe.com/mondulkiri-eco-tourism-outfits/But according to SVC [Sam Veasna Center] sales and marketing advisor Alison Curry, all of the good work they and other like-minded organisations, such as Mondulkiri’s Elephant Valley Project (EVP) are doing to promote responsible, sustainable travel is at risk due to a recent proliferation of copycat operators spreading false information and “hawkers selling a great story”.
“As well as boasting such incredible biodiversity, Mondulkiri is also one of the top five critical areas most at risk globally. Travellers come here specifically for ‘nature based’ tourism experiences and operators have realised that the tag of ‘conservation’ is a major draw for visitors who increasingly want authentic experiences that respect people and the planet, and are using them in their advertising slogans. It makes it incredibly hard for a tourist to establish what is genuine and what is just selling an idea with no back up,” she said.
What’s more, copycat businesses were not just diluting the work of reputable tour operators such as SVC, but were actually harming the communities they claimed to be assisting, Curry said.