In the digital age, where anyone with a social media account can become a tourism promoter, one man has chosen this path as his full-time profession, focusing almost entirely on showcasing the potential of Cambodia's domestic tourism. He is "Smey," a tourism Content Creator whose work has significantly contributed to introducing new and beautiful locations across the country to the public.

Through a conversation, Smey shared insights into his life as a freelancer, the mental challenges he faces, and his vision for the national tourism sector—all of which offer compelling lessons and perspectives.

"Only Honor Remains": The Reality of a Freelancer's Life

"To be honest, I focus heavily on domestic promotion," Smey began with a clear statement. He went on to reveal the mental pressures that freelancers like him often encounter.

"Why do freelancers like me face such intense mental pressure... Every day, if my wife asks what we have left, the answer is nothing. Only honor remains. I don't have a nice car or a fancy house like other people."

This confession reflects the reality that this path is not strewn with rose petals. It demands immense sacrifice and dedication. Nevertheless, he continues on this journey because it is something he loves and believes in.

The First Priority: Why Focus on Domestic Tourism?

When asked to weigh the importance of promoting tourism to international versus domestic audiences, Smey gave a definitive answer: promoting tourism within the country is more critical at the present time. He gave the following reasons:

1. Cambodians Don't Fully Know Their Own Country: He believes that many Cambodians have not yet discovered or visited the many beautiful tourist destinations within their own nation. "Even a place as famous as Koh Sdach (King Island) is still unknown to about 4 per 5 of our population," he noted.

2. Stimulating the Local Economy: When locals start traveling, it creates demand, which in turn drives investment in tourism services—from transportation and guesthouses to large-scale resorts. He cited the Chi Phat area as an example, which previously only had simple home-stays but now features larger, nature-integrated resorts.

3. Fostering a Love for Nature: When people experience and see the value of nature firsthand, they begin to love and protect it. This is a crucial foundation for sustainable development.

4. Preparing to Welcome Foreign Guests: Smey believes that "we need to get our own house in order first." Once the domestic tourism system is strong and well-organized, promoting it to international markets will be more effective and sustainable.

Shared Responsibility and the Power of Social Media

Smey elaborated on the slogan "Tourism for all, all for tourism," explaining that the responsibility for developing the sector lies on the shoulders of every citizen, not just the ministry or state institutions.

"Everyone is a tourism promoter... Everyone has a smartphone in their hand, a social media account... It's incredibly powerful."

However, he also warned that this power is a double-edged sword. Sharing negative information without careful consideration can harm communities. He suggested that instead of just posting pictures of trash, creators should produce content that shows problem-solving actions, such as organizing a cleanup, and call on others to join. This creates a much more positive impact.

Balancing Conservation and Convenience

Regarding the controversial debate over allowing vehicles on Khnong Psor mountain, Smey offered a balanced perspective. He acknowledged that it provides convenience for the elderly and people with disabilities but also stressed the need for a strict management system to avoid chaos and accidents. He proposed a community-managed transportation system, similar to the model at Preah Vihear Temple, to maintain order and safety.

The Income That Sustains the Dream

To the question many are curious about—how does a freelancer like him make a living?—Smey revealed that his income comes from:

• Sponsorship: He receives support from patrons (Oknha) who see the value in his work.

• Page Management: He helps manage the social media pages for several resorts.

• Content Creation Services: He is commissioned to shoot photos and promotional videos for resorts and other tourism businesses.

He emphasized that his value proposition isn't just production; it includes promotion through his own channels, which have a built-in target audience of travelers.

In summary, Smey's journey shows that work born from passion, despite its challenges and lack of material wealth, can provide happiness, pride, and an "honor" that money cannot buy. He is an example of a young person using his skills and the influence of digital media to contribute to his nation by proving that "our country has plenty of places to visit."