CHT in Cambodia is important for various reasons. The recent rapid development of
economic and social sector is caused by the incomes created by the tourism sector,
mainly from CHT business and supporting businesses. Meanwhile, there is an increase
in a local production since CHT activities are strongly connected with other branches of
the economy. As CHT is employment demanding, there is an increase in employment
in the area, especially in the main destination area of the country, as guests participate
and appreciate the local culture of the Khmer empire.
This helps keep local people a positive catalyst for regional development. It, thus,
improves the demographic situation in surrounding areas by giving a perspective to the
youth. CHT leads to better overall infrastructure and living environment – not only for
tourists, but for the host community, and the activities encompassing the whole territory
of the destination, especially access to the country’s main destination. As CHT gives
the destination an identity, it gets known, this attracts interests and people, which again
helps to mark local production in general. Favorable for the economic and social
development is that CHT generates new ideas and wishes to cooperate among the local
population.
CHT helps to establish and reinforce identity. This is an essential element in preserving
and enhancing national and local pride and spirit. Culture and heritage features are
critical in building a country’s image, thus CHT can be one of the key instruments in
developing a positive image of a country internationally. Cambodia is rapidly changed
in perception from the killing field of the Pol Pot regime to the charming land for tourists
among ASEAN countries.