Although tourism in Siem Reap has dramatically increased from around 200,000 visitors in 2005 to over 2 million visitors in 2014 with tourist expenditure reaching USD $100 million on souvenirs, Siem Reap remains one of the poorest provinces in Cambodia. Most of the population in rural areas of Siem Reap Province lack access to the tourist market.
The influx of imported souvenirs and machine-made replicas of traditional handicraft in Siem Reap forces hundreds of artisans to turn to farming and other activities to supplement their income. Around 80% of souvenirs sold in Siem Reap are imported from neighboring countries while local artisans struggle to compete with cheap machine made items.
Often tourists can’t identify authentic products from machine-made replicas and sellers are told they are made in Cambodia.
Our mission
To support the development of local handicraft businesses and strengthen the handicraft sector in Siem Reap province.
Our vision
A strong and competitive local handicraft sector.