The Cham people are reviving the weaving skills of older generations. DC-Cam
Cambodia will host its inaugural “Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum” on Wednesday, December 18 at the Phnom Penh Hotel, under the theme “The Beauty of Harmonisation and Muslim Friendly Tourism Destinations: Opportunities and Preparedness”.
The event, organised by the Cambodian Muslim Tourism group under the Ministry of Tourism, marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance its appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination.
It aims to foster economic growth through tourism by promoting the Muslim community’s rich cultural heritage and historical sites, offering both local and international tourists a unique perspective on the country’s diverse history.
So Farina, deputy director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia (DC-Cam), emphasised the long-term vision behind the event.
“This is the first forum, and it is part of our broader action plan to promote Muslim tourism in Cambodia. [It] presents a unique opportunity to learn from experiences shared by experts from Malaysia and Thailand, who have successfully integrated Muslim-friendly tourism into their economies,” Farina said.
The primary goal of the assembly is to drive economic growth by promoting Muslim-friendly tourism, specifically highlighting key Muslim sites in Cambodia.
Farina highlighted that the forum would not only focus on what works but also on the challenges that need addressing.
After the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime, Cham women used krama as hijabs before recreating their traditional designs from memory. DC-Cam
“We will share both our strengths and areas where we can improve to make Cambodia a more welcoming destination for Muslim travellers,” she added.
The symposium will feature presentations from Khmer-speaking tourism professionals, as well as international speakers from Malaysia and Thailand, offering insights into promoting tourism to the Muslim community.
DC-Cam, which has been deeply involved in the country's tourism development, will also showcase its initiatives in historical tourism – an approach that invites visitors to explore the country’s history through its diverse communities, many of which have faced significant hardships.
Farina discussed how Cham Silk, a significant cultural product, plays a crucial role in this effort.
“Cham Silk preserves an important aspect of our cultural heritage and contributes to the economic empowerment of the community, particularly elderly women in Kampong Cham province involved in its production,” she told The Post.
Cham Silk symbolises resilience, with vibrant colours and intricate textures reflecting the Cham people’s history and using natural elements to create unique designs.
Turkish ambassador to Cambodia Ülkü Kocaefe tries on a Cham Silk scarf at the SheTrades Exhibition on Koh Pich (Diamond Island) in Phnom Penh. DC-Cam
DC-Cam’s focus on historical tourism includes highlighting sites like the Islamic minaret in Svay Khleang, which was historically used for moon sightings and to call Muslim communities to prayer.
This and other cultural landmarks will be featured in the forum as examples of Cambodia’s rich Islamic heritage, further promoting the country’s potential as a Muslim-friendly destination.
By integrating cultural preservation with economic development, the forum aims to create a lasting impact, empowering local communities, particularly women, to preserve their traditions and increase their income through tourism.
Farina concluded, “This collaboration between the tourism ministry and DC-Cam represents a powerful connection of history, culture and the economy. It strengthens the bond between our cultural heritage and our efforts to build a more inclusive and thriving tourism sector.”
As the Kingdom positions itself as an emerging Muslim-friendly tourism destination, the 2024 Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum promises to be a pivotal event in shaping the future of the country’s tourism industry, combining cultural preservation with economic growth.
