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Tourism Potential of Tiger Reintroduction in Cambodia: Linking Conservation with Economic Futures
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Tourism Potential of Tiger Reintroduction in Cambodia: Linking Conservation with Economic Futures

Jimmy Borah, Thok Sokhom, Seng Ratha and R. W. Carter
Parks, Vol.32(1), pp.86-96
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2305/MKUR7226
url
https://parksjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9_BORAH-ET-AL.pdfView
Published Version Open

Abstract

Cardamom Mountains Landscape Nature-based tourism development Wildlife-based tourism
Cambodia’s tourism sector has shown strong post-pandemic recovery, driven largely by its globally renowned cultural heritage sites. The country’s protected area network and high biodiversity offer opportunities for diversification beyond cultural tourism. This paper assesses the potential for tiger reintroduction – specifically in the Cardamom Mountains Landscape – to catalyse a new, sustainable wildlife-based tourism economy. Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million international visitors in 2024, generating USD 3.6 billion – figures that underscore the importance of exploring additional tourism products. This study estimates that tiger-based tourism in the Cardamoms could generate USD 5–7 million annually within a decade, create significant local employment, and contribute up to 2 per cent of national tourism GDP. Complementary mechanisms – such as wildlife levies, regulated safari zoning, community-based ecotourism models, and strong governance – could ensure equitable benefit sharing and long term financial sustainability. By integrating biodiversity conservation with strategic tourism expansion, tiger reintroduction presents a unique opportunity to Cambodia to revive a lost species, stimulate rural economies, and position itself as an ecotourism destination in Southeast Asia

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