Awareness of sanctions and responsible behavior of foreign tourists to Cambodia

Abstract

Responsible tourist behavior is a major step in minimizing negative socio-cultural impacts, as well as facilitating more enjoyable tourist and host experience. Within the responsible tourism debate, the tourist is often overlooked, and sometimes represented as abandoning all sense of responsibility while on holiday. This research illustrates on the awareness of sanctions and responsible behavior of foreign tourists to Cambodia. A sample survey method was used, with a structured questionnaire as the research instrument, in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap city. Primary data from 340 foreign tourists' respondents was used for statistical analysis. Key findings showed that there were significant differences in tourist's awareness of the sanctioned behavior when classified on the basis of purpose of trip and repeat visit. It was further established that positive attitude toward socio-cultural practices leads to positive culturally responsible behavior at the destination. The result will therefore benefit tourists and tourism planners, as well as concerned authorities in Cambodia, by enabling them to gain a better understanding of the awareness of sanctioned behavior and also of the responsible behavior of foreign tourists.