Title: Impact of tourism for regional development: an alternative socio-economic model for Cambodia

Authors: Nathalie Homlong; Elisabeth Springler

Addresses: Institute of Planning and Administration, Volda University College, P.O. Box 500, 6101, Volda, Norway ' Study Program European Economy and Business Management, University of Applied Sciences, Bfi Vienna, Wohlmutstrasse 22, 1020 Vienna, Austria

Abstract: Numerous economic discourses in less developed economies have shown that standard economic approaches are not applicable. Conversely, alternative economic models aim to integrate factors, which are neglected in standard economic approaches: space, time and the specific structural and institutional settings of regions and nations. Applying alternative approaches, this paper aims to critically reflect on the effects of the promotion of the tourism sector in Cambodia on social and economic development. For this purpose Siem Reap, the province where the temples of Angkor Wat are located, is selected as case study. Siem Reap is one of the top tourism destinations in Cambodia. Nonetheless, regional GDP is among the lowest among Cambodia's provinces. Tourism development is promoted as a way towards development for the region. While tourism has indeed been creating jobs in Siem Reap, the question arises whether the local population has been benefiting from tourism development.

Keywords: alternative economic models; path development; de-locking; tourism industry; sustainable development; Cambodia; Siem Reap; Angkor Wat temples; poverty; livelihood; capability; education; sustainability; regional development; socio-economic models; modelling; social development; economic development; local communities.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2016.074979

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2016 Vol.12 No.2/3, pp.239 - 253

Received: 10 Apr 2015
Accepted: 11 Apr 2015
Published online: 28 Feb 2016 *

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