An open letter from Mr. Sothea Hy, CHA president (June 2023 – )
Mr. Somethearith Din, a self-established entrepreneur who has founded the Frangipani Villa Hotel Chain, which has been claimed the first proudly Cambodian-owned Boutique Hotel chain. Later on he founded a very famous holiday home and resort project, Phumi Phka Trakoun and a township estate, Mon“Dear Esteemed Members, Colleagues, and Supporters of the CHA,
It is with great honour and enthusiasm that I address you today as the President of the Cambodia Hotel Association. I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me to lead this esteemed association dedicated to advancing Cambodia’s hospitality industry.
I stand before you with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment. I am impassioned by the incredible opportunities that lie ahead of us in shaping the future of our nation’s hotel and tourism landscape. Together, we embark on a journey fueled by innovation, collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence.
Our industry has faced its share of challenges, yet it is within these challenges that we find opportunities for growth and transformation. I firmly believe that by uniting our strengths, leveraging our collective expertise, and embracing a culture of continuous improvement, we can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success.
My vision for the Cambodia Hotel Association is one of inclusivity and progress. I am committed to amplifying the voices of our members, fostering an environment where your concerns, ideas, and aspirations are heard and acted upon. Together, we will advocate for policies that nurture a thriving hospitality sector, support sustainable tourism practices, and elevate the standards of service and quality across the board.
I extend an invitation to each of you to actively engage with us, to share your insights, and to collaborate as we chart a course towards greater achievements. Your participation is invaluable in shaping the initiatives and strategies that will drive our association and industry forward.
As we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, I am inspired by the potential that lies within our collective determination and expertise. Let us work hand in hand, united by our passion for hospitality, to write a story of success that benefits not only our association but also the nation as a whole.
I am honoured to serve as your President and look forward to the journey ahead, filled with innovation, collaboration, and boundless opportunities.
With Warm Regards,
Mr. Sothea HY
President of CHA”
Former CHA’s President, Mr Somethearith Din (July 2021 – June 2023)
Mr. Somethearith Din, a self-established entrepreneur who has founded the Frangipani Villa Hotel Chain, which has been claimed the first proudly Cambodian-owned Boutique Hotel chain. Later on he founded a very famous holiday home and resort project, Phumi Phka Trakoun and a township estate, Mongkul Villa. He was an architect, having graduated Master Degree of Urban Environmental Management (UEM) from the prominent university, The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, and served as a Country Manager of United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) after spending more than ten years in urban development, architecture, housing, land management, and human settlements field. He also used to serve as a Part Time Lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture, Norton University. He is now an honorable visiting lecturer at Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Centre (CJCC) for an entrepreneurship course.
Mr. Somethearith is no ordinary architect, an urban expert but also an outstanding entrepreneur and public speaker who has grown his successful boutique hotel and real estate businesses with a very small capital. Apart from his business, he also used to serve the role as President of Cambodia Hotel Association (CHA), Vice-President of ASEAN Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHRA), a Founding Member of Cambodia Tourism Federation (CTF), a Co-Founder of Young Entrepreneur Association of Cambodia, Siem Reap Chapter, the first ever President of BNI Cambodia (CEO Chapter), and an Advisory Member of Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC).
Mr. Somethearith DIN,
President of CAmbodia Hotel Association (CHA),
Chairman of Forsee Group,
Former CHA’s president, Mrs. CLAIS Chenda (May 2019 – June 2021)
Dear CHA Members and Hospitality Colleagues,
Cambodia is a remarkable destination both for international and domestic visitors. One of the opportunities that makes it ‘the destination’ is the diversity of the accommodation available. Cambodia offers choices from backpacking through five star plus luxury accommodation. Stay at one of our international award-winning hotels. Visit an eco-lodge. Trek to a highlands retreat. Play on the shores of our World’s Best Beaches. Experience the living history of the Angkor period complex in Siem Reap.
This next year we need to continue to strengthen, develop and expand the ‘experiences’ we have to offer. Part of that is the involvement of all hotels. We need to focus on one-voice. We need to look at marketing opportunities for Cambodia. Working with the restaurant and chefs’ associations through the umbrella of the Cambodia Tourism Federation, we can better represent Cambodia tourism interests.
We also need to continue to focus on training and developing our staff. Cambodia has taken a lead in the implementation of the ASEAN Training Standards. This has created a good platform to add to the professionalism of our staff. Working in the hospitality industry is a career, not just a job.
Come join the Cambodia Hotel Association in moving into the future of Cambodia as ‘the destination’.
Mrs. CLAIS Chenda
President of the Cambodia Hotel AssociationOwner, Terres Rouge Collection
