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Pathways to Progress
CRDT Tours started in 2008 as part of the Cambodian Rural Development Organization (CRDT) tourism development project. CRDT Tours worked with the community-based ecotourism sites of Koh Phdao and Kampi in Kratie province, and Koh Preah. Sharing the same vision as CRDT, it aimed to improve community income generation while supporting the conservation of Mekong biodiversity, especially the endangered Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphin, through tourism initiatives. CRDT Tours' role involved setting up a community-based ecotourism organization, building community capacity in tourism and hospitality, developing community infrastructure, creating community tourism products and services, and providing coachingmarketing, and sales support.
In 2014, after the above communities were ready to host travelers, CRDT Tours faced new challenges in this tourism initiative. There was difficulty in accessibility for these communities (lack of transportation and information), and the community felt discouraged about tourism due to the very limited number of tourist visits. In 2016, the CRDT organization decided to pilot the CRDT Tours project as a social enterprise business model, working on both community development and organizing and providing information for travelers who wanted to visit these communities. This shift aimed to sustain the tourism project of CRDT Tours and reduce reliance on donor funding. As a result, between 2016 and 2018, these communities generated around 40,000 USD per year from tourists, with the number of tourists visiting the villages ranging between 1,455 and 2,320 per year.
In 2018, as required by Cambodian law, the Cambodian Rural Development Organization (CRDT) registered CRDT Tours with the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism. CRDT Tours' role remained the same: providing community development services and organizing trips for tourists to visit the villages and learn about the local way of life. Additionally, CRDT Tours aimed to expand its impact by organizing educational and responsible travel throughout Cambodia. It arranged trips for many schools from abroad and within Cambodia, including SSTS, Where There Be Dragons, CUS, Global Challenges, ISPP, and DS. Between 2018 and 2019, these communities generated revenue from tourists between 40,000 USD and 60,000 USD per year, contributing around 15% to 20% to their livelihood.
Since 2019, the pandemic has brought challenges. While tourism is no longer viable, CRDT Tours has redirected its business model from organizing tours to providing consultancy services. CRDT Tours applied for grant funding for community tourism development to sustain operations through the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, CRDT Tours provided consultancy services in solid waste management through the project to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste to protect the marine environment (3RproMar). CRDT Tours was responsible for behavior change communication for Kratie municipality.
What are we trying to achieve here?
Marginalized communities living in remote countryside areas earn between 1.9 to 2.5 USD per person per day, reflecting their struggle with poverty. This poverty put pressure on the natural resources. For example, the Mekong fresh water dolphin and the forest nearby.
The absence of an online presence for community tourism products further exacerbates their economic challenges, limiting their ability to attract and engage with potential tourists.
The capacity of the local community in tourism and hospitality fluctuates, impacting the consistency and quality of services offered to visitors. This inconsistency can deter tourism growth and reduce potential income opportunities for these communities.
Additionally, plastic waste is a significant environmental issue, littering both provincial towns and villages. This waste often ends up in the Mekong River, posing a severe threat to marine life and the overall health of the ecosystem.
How are we archieving this?
Community income generation via tourism initiative
By providing a range of tour packages (educational and responsible tour package to visit community, community development tour and homestay experience tour package), the business model generates diversified income streams for marginalized communities, helping to lift them out of poverty.
Education and Skill Development
Training programs and coaching meeting with local commuinty enhance the skills and knowledge of local community members, improving their employability and capacity to manage tourism activities effectively.
Revenue from tourism and related activities can be reinvested in educational programs and scholarships (Le Tonle training guesthouse & restaurant ) , helping vulnerable youth to continue their education and improve their future prospects.
Environmental Conservation
Promoting longer stay homestay experience and local culture engagement will provide alternative income for local community which reduce the pressure on the fishing into the Mekong, creating opportunity for the Mekong River dolphin and logging. Conducting awareness raising trainig on biodiversity conservation, plastic waste management and law is a cross cutting agenda for the team of CRDT Tours.
Increased community tourism and online presence
By developing and promoting a variety of tour packages through modern distribution channels such as websites, social media, networks, and marketing materials, the business model enhances the online presence of community tourism products. This strategy attracts more tourists and ensures a steady flow of income.
Impacts
185,000$
Revenue generated by local community since 2010
120,000$
87
Families that CRDT Tours are working with
4,323