An integral part of the campaign is TouchStone Magazine. TouchStone showcases news and views from the experts inside Cambodia regarding culture, heritage, and development. It will allow tourists to understand in an easy and accessible way the research being undertaken by organizations such as APSARA, EFEO, the University of Sydney and HeritageWatch. TouchStone also promotes Heritage Friendly businesses and their contributions to the community. It aims to be a reference point for people who want to know what is really being done to help Cambodia. The newsletter will be distributed for free to visitors to Cambodia. TouchStone is 'The Insiders Guide to Heritage Arts and Culture in Cambodia'.
HeritageWatch in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism has approved a set of guidelines and criteria that businesses must meet if they are to be Heritage Friendly. Businesses that support the arts, heritage, development and culture will benefit from being members as visitors to Cambodia will be encouraged to patronize them. Businesses that foster positive relationships with the local community are recognized and rewarded for their efforts encouraging other small businesses to give back to the community.
In 2008 businesses will be encouraged to meet strict criteria and will be rewarded if they meet all the criteria. If your business wishes to apply please click here.
Supports education & awareness of heritage issues & preservation.
If a business is conducting education, training, & awareness about heritage or cultural preservation
to its employees/guest/people it is eligible under this criterion.
Contributes and supports heritage/ culture non-profit organizations.
If a business contributes or supports art shows, traditional crafts, local NGOs working in this
sector it is eligible under this criterion.
Promote positive tourism practices,
If a business actively promotes good tourism practice, imparting information to guests during
their stay that is beneficial to the environment, heritage, arts, culture, child safety etc. it is eligible
under this criteria.
Support social development projects,
If a business currently supports local development projects, sports teams, local NGOs helping
underprivileged Cambodians then it is eligible under this criterion.
Do not participate in the antiquities trade,
If a business or its proprietors in any way participates in the antiquities trade or promotes the
trade in antiquities it is not eligible for membership.
Promotes clean environmental practice,
If a business promotes and protects temples and other archeological sites through environmental
practices it is eligible under this criterion.
Promotes and supports local economy through innovative ideas; activities and programs.
If a business organizes activities, that help to promote Cambodia in a positive light, help to
contribute to local economy then it is eligible under this criterion.
Businesses that meet five of the above criteria are eligible for Gold Heritage Friendly Status. If businesses meet three of the criteria they are eligible for Silver Heritage Friendly Status
Heritage Friendly Businesses will be asked to host a small donation box at their cashier counter for the Heritage Friendly Campaign. Any donations given will be matched dollar for dollar by the proprietor (to a set monthly limit) and HeritageWatch. All funds received from this will go into the HeritageWatch Foundation. This Foundation aims to provide support and funding to other NGOs dealing with cultural, development, and heritage issues.
The whole idea of Heritage Friendly Tourism will be promoted in Cambodia's major centers and tourist destinations. With the support of our corporate sponsors including ANZ Royal, Siem Reap Airways, Bangkok Airways, Petronas and DHL the campaign has received good public exposure. Lighted road signs, lamp banners, bill boards, posters, t-shirts and other material have given the campaign needed exposure.
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