GX Cambodia kicks off in the Kingdom of Wonder

Every September G Adventures gathers its wider community of travel advisors, industry partners, everyday travellers, global staff and media together in a destination around the world that could benefit from a boost in visitors in order to showcase the power and potential of community tourism.

Following previous summits in Peru, India, and Jordan, GX Cambodia officially kicked off with a strong showing of 600 participants on location in Phnom Penh, including 18 Canadian travel advisors, most who earned their spot by selling G Adventures trips to clients.

“Once again, GX comes to a country that really needs tourism, and GX is a celebration of the right kind of tourism, community tourism,” shared Bruce Poon Tip, the founder of G Adventures taking the stage at a festival fair that showcased some of its non-profit Planeterra’s projects across the Kingdom of Wonder. “I was telling this to the Prime Minister [of Cambodia] today that there’s no better backdrop than Cambodia. Honestly, a country that needs tourism, a country that has an incredible tourism asset, but more importantly, can benefit greatly from the transformational nature of tourism when done the right way. It’s a perfect partner for us for GX. We’re here to show the country, the beautiful country… The star of GX is the destination, always.”

The 4th annual celebration of community tourism will culminate with World Tourism Day on Sept. 27. Throughout the week attendees will not only take in some of the highlights of the destination like Angkor Wat, Sambor Prei Kuk and the Royal Palace, but also witness firsthand how tourism has the power to change lives by seeing Planeterra projects in action.

“Planeterra’s role is really to help strengthen community tourism around the world, and really we do this through our partnerships with the travel industry because visits like yours go towards supporting their initiatives, bringing income into their communities, nonprofits, social enterprises, cooperatives, women’s groups, indigenous communities who are really looking for tourism as a way to uplift and funnel that money into environmental restoration, community development projects,” shared Kelly Galaski, vice president, operations & head of impact for Planeterra.

During the festival fair welcome festivities, the delegates were able to raise money for Planeterra through a wish tree and a dunk tank where members of the team, including president Jamie Sweeting, were dunked for a good cause. Even with some liquid sunshine throughout the evening, spirits weren’t dampened.

“What we’ve seen in previous GXs is there is such a buzz that comes out from the event that we see a ripple effect in sales,” G Adventures’ managing director David Green told TravelPress Today. “So we expect to see more people interested in Cambodia. There are 600 people here — that’s 600 people talking about the destination. I think the ripple effect is more travellers coming to Cambodia, and it’s a destination that needs some support, which is why we’re here this year.”

Green encourages travel advisors who want to take part in GX next year to reach out to their local GPS – Global Purpose Specialist as the small group adventure tour operator runs a Change Makers incentive to earn spots at GX.

“If you’ve never sold G before, why? We’re a Canadian company. Now is the best time to support Canadian businesses and G for the last 36 years has been a very unique company focused on supporting local communities and doing a world of good when you send your clients on a G trip,” he noted. “We have got a very, very strong track record at running exceptional experiences, so you know that when your travellers go with G Adventures, they’re going to have an amazing time. So, if you want to be here, sell more G Adventures.”

Travel advisors can also purchase a spot or book their clients on the adventure as GX is also open to travellers.

“You don’t just need to sell G. There are also wildcard entries, by raising money for Planeterra, competing in our wild card competitions like e-learning, and then we do lucky draws for people that do the training,” Green added. “So there’s many different ways to get here, but selling G, that’s the number one way.”

Over the course of the next few days, the group will explore sights around Phnom Penh, before heading to Siem Reap.

“May you all enjoy good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavours,” shared Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, at the welcome event held at Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple grounds opened specially for the evening just to host the GX group. “May your stay and visits, both here in Phnom Penh and throughout the provinces of Cambodia, be filled with wonderful experiences and become truly unforgettable memories.”

Stay tuned for more coverage!