Jaya House Hotels' managing director Christian de Boer shares his observations of what tourists now look like in Cambodia since the country's reopening in November 2021.

I believe the future is good and slowly getting better. For travellers who have always dreamt to see Angkor then there has never been a better time then now.

Making informed choices

I believe I'm starting to see a “changed tourist", someone who's more aware of the potential impacts they have in choosing their hotel, their lunch venue, etc.

People seem to be making more informed decisions on where they stay, and are basing it on actions of a particular property (hotel or otherwise) instead of marketing words. The current tourist has done their research and are actively wanting to ensure their money really do make a difference in the lives of many. The days of marketing campaigns like "Save a towel, plant a tree" are now long gone.

Christian de Boer, managing director, Jaya House Hotels believes the post-pandemic traveller values individuality and a more personal approach to life and travel.

Hunger for more plant-based food

From what I can see here in the hotel, people's eating habits have also changed into more healthy choices and definitely less meat and more regular vegan options. Personally, I am not a vegan but I have also reduced the amount of meat I eat on a daily basis, thanks to my personal education on this subject (in a non-threatening kinda way) through www.veganfoodquest.com.

No more single-use plastic, please

I am also convinced that the well-travelled tourist is now demanding a (single-use) plastic-free environment — a regularly cited reason for guests in choosing to book with Jaya House River Park. Guests don’t want more promises but want to see sincere and real action with proven results.

And no more long and cold corridors

People want and are searching for more open-air spaces where natural social distancing isn’t an issue. As a direct result of this, often the smaller hotels will see the benefits since we don’t have large breakfast rooms, or massive air-conditioned lobbies with many people hoovering around a reception desk or the long 90’s-style hotel corridors (with doors on either side).

The future tourist demands individuality and a more personal approach to life and travel, and that seems to showcase itself in all parts of travel from hotels and cafes to restaurants and tour companies in Cambodia.