The OIF Successfully Launches Its Sustainable Tourism Initiative “Destination Eco-Talents” at a Regional Workshop in Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia – March 28, 2025
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) has just successfully concluded a regional workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, organized for the official launch of its flagship initiative to promote sustainable tourism, Destination Eco-Talents (DET). This event, held from March 26 to 28, 2025, brought together more than 80 key stakeholders from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Over three days, the workshop allowed participants to discuss challenges and needs related to sustainability, while highlighting best practices, opportunities for regional cooperation, and efforts in training, professionalization, and improving the employability of youth, women, and local communities. The workshop concluded with a field visit to OIF-funded projects in the Siem Reap region, underlining Cambodia’s role as the pilot country for the DET initiative.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism Development

The DET regional workshop began with an inaugural conference, featuring remarks by Mr. Ing Kimleang, Vice-Governor of Siem Reap Province, Mr. Edgar Doerig, OIF Representative for Asia-Pacific, and H.E. Mol Vibol, Deputy Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. Mr. Doerig stated that tourism “must become a driver of sustainable development, capable of generating jobs while preserving natural and cultural resources.” He recalled that Destination Eco-Talents (DET) is “a program designed to foster the professionalization of the tourism sector and the employability of vulnerable populations, focusing on the added value of sustainability and Francophonie.”
Dr. Thok Sokhom, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, then delivered an opening speech highlighting the government’s commitment to green and sustainable tourism growth. He noted that “the path to sustainable and socially responsible tourism development is an ambitious undertaking that requires a shared vision, intellectual rigor, and practical cooperation from all participants to reach our ultimate destination.”
Regional Cooperation and Education
One of the main objectives of the DET project is to strengthen partnerships between governments, the private sector, academia, and local communities. The OIF’s strategy relies on the French language as a tool for promoting sustainable development and regional cooperation.
Education and training were highlighted as essential elements of sustainable tourism and the DET initiative, in line with the theme of the 2025 International Day of La Francophonie: “I educate myself, therefore I act.”

Francophonie’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Ms. Adjara Diouf, DET project coordinator at REPAP/OIF, reaffirmed the OIF’s commitment to promoting the French language, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, human rights, education, and sustainable economic development. She recalled that between 2014 and 2022, the OIF’s pilot initiative on the blue economy and sustainable tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) laid the groundwork for concrete actions, including policy consultations, advocacy efforts, and field projects conducted between 2021 and 2023 in the Indian Ocean.
During the workshop, participants explored various aspects of the DET project, including successful case studies in the Mekong region and the role of regional collaboration in strengthening the tourism sector. The OIF emphasized the importance of education and digital innovation in transforming tourism and meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious travelers.

Group Discussions and Thematic Focus

On the second day of the workshop, participants split into three discussion groups around the main focus areas of the Destination Eco-Talents initiative to share their experiences and visions while proposing concrete and innovative solutions:

1. Education, training, professionalization, and capacity building for tourism stakeholders, especially youth and women;
2. Development, promotion, and marketing of sustainable tourism offers;
3. Development and animation of dynamic stakeholder networks.

Through ongoing collaboration, Cambodia, alongside Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, is paving the way for a sustainable tourism future, where local communities thrive and the environment is preserved for future generations.

About the DET Project 

The DET project for the promotion of sustainable tourism is fully in line with the OIF’s strategy entitled “The French language, a vector for sustainable development.” It is structured around three main pillars:

1. Education, training, professionalization: Strengthen the skills of youth, women, and rural and peri-urban communities to improve their employability in sustainable tourism-related professions.
2. Support for the development of sustainable, competitive, and attractive tourism offers: Assist local stakeholders in creating experiences that respect the environment and local cultures.
3. Networking of stakeholders: Structure and coordinate a dynamic network bringing together public decision-makers, private operators, and local communities to encourage the sharing of best practices in sustainable and inclusive tourism.

In Cambodia, the pilot country for the DET project in the Mekong region, with complementary actions in other countries such as Vietnam, Destination Eco-Talents has established strategic partnerships with various organizations, including the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism (MOT) and renowned vocational training institutions such as the Paul Dubrule School of Hospitality and Tourism, Sala Bai Hotel School, and Spoons Vocational Training Center in Siem Reap.
Destination Eco-Talents Centers: Community Hubs for Sustainable Tourism
The DET project includes the creation of Destination Eco-Talents Centers, community hubs dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism. The first will be established in Siem Reap. These multifunctional spaces raise awareness, train, and support local stakeholders and visitors towards responsible practices. Networked together, they enhance the attractiveness of destinations while supporting the socio-economic development of communities.

About the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) 

The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) is an institution founded on the sharing of a language, French, and common values. It brings together 93 states and governments. The report on the French language worldwide, published in 2022, estimates the number of French speakers at over 321 million. Present on five continents, the OIF carries out political and cooperation actions in the following priority areas: the French language, multilingualism and cultural diversity; peace, democracy, and human rights; education, training, higher education, and research; economic cooperation for sustainable development. In all its actions, the OIF pays particular attention to youth and women, as well as access to information and communication technologies. Louise Mushikiwabo has led this political action since her election as Secretary General in October 2018 at the XVII Francophonie Summit in Yerevan (Armenia), a position to which she was reappointed in November 2022 at the XVIII Summit in Djerba (Tunisia).