Cambodia Leadership Review
Daniel Simon, a key figure in the sector, shares insights on his leadership philosophy, the hotel’s role in uplifting local talent and farmers, and how Rosewood is adapting to industry challenges and opportunities in 2025. From innovative guest experiences to strengthening Cambodia’s global tourism appeal, Rosewood Phnom Penh remains committed to shaping the country’s hospitality landscape.
Leadership Values and Vision
CLR: Daniel, as a leader in Cambodia’s hotel and tourism sector, what core values and vision guide your approach to hospitality? How have these principles helped Rosewood Phnom Penh establish itself as a benchmark for luxury and service in the region?
At its core, hospitality is about building and nurturing relationships. It cannot be replaced by digital platforms—genuine, human interactions remain essential. Every interaction must be sincere because we are only as good as our last connection with a guest. My leadership philosophy is to lead from the front while ensuring that credit goes to the team. We have spent a lot of time training and recalibrating the team, ensuring that everyone is treated the same, regardless of position, gender and nationality. We believe that training is at the core of our success, arranging for trainers from outside of Rosewood and from overseas to ensure that the team has the best opportunities to learn and grow. This has resulted in that we have been able to promote many Cambodians to roles that were in the past held by expats with the similar benefits.
Beyond service excellence, we are committed to uplifting Cambodia’s workforce and supporting local farmers. Through paid internships, we develop young hospitality talent, and we have built a network of farmers to supply rice and vegetables directly to the hotel. Our onsite hydroponic garden now produces 70% of our leafy vegetables, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
Over the past four years, Rosewood Phnom Penh has received numerous accolades, including #1 Hotel in Asia by Travel + Leisure in 2023. While these recognitions are an honor, the most meaningful reward comes from the feedback form our guests—especially when they express how their experience in Cambodia exceeded expectations, connecting with our staff and Cambodians in general.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Hotel and Tourism Industry
CLR: Cambodia’s tourism industry is evolving post pandemic, with a focus on attracting both leisure and business travelers. What do you see as the key challenges and opportunities for the hotel sector in 2025, and how is Rosewood adapting to meet these demands?
One of the biggest challenges is air connectivity, as direct flights from key markets like Japan and Europe have not fully returned. However, the reintroduction of routes by Qatar Airways and Emirates and soon to be coming Etihad, and Turkish Airlines is driving recovery.
Another challenge is global awareness—many travelers are still unaware of Cambodia’s diverse offerings, from its rich cultural heritage to its pristine beaches and vibrant capital. Rosewood Phnom Penh is addressing this by bringing international media and travel agents to experience Cambodia firsthand, ensuring that its unique attractions gain visibility. Additionally, by working directly with local farmers and investing in skills training, we are strengthening Cambodia’s tourism ecosystem from within.
Innovations and Guest Experiences at Rosewood
CLR: Rosewood is known for its exceptional service and innovative guest experiences. What new initiatives or offerings are being introduced to elevate the hotel’s appeal and cater to the changing preferences of travelers in Cambodia?
We are committed to enhancing guest experiences through storytelling, encouraging our associates to share personal insights about Phnom Penh and its culture. Many guests arrive unsure of what to expect, but they leave as ambassadors of Cambodia, deeply connected to its people and traditions. We have a fleet of electric ‘tuk tuks’ that we use on complimentary tours with our local ambassadors. Art, one of the core pillars of Rosewood, is expressed by the new exhibitions (every two months) in our permanent Art gallery from up-and-coming local artists enabling guests to connect directly.
Sustainability is also a key focus. Our hydroponic garden now supplies 70% of the hotel’s leafy vegetables, reducing our reliance on imported produce and ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients. Additionally, our direct partnerships with farmers provide guests with authentic, locally sourced flavors while supporting Cambodia’s agricultural sector. We have created zero-waste dishes in our F&B venues and in SORA, our cocktails come with garnishes from our Sky garden, and we have in collaboration with Seekers, created a bespoke vermouth.
Outlook for Cambodia’s Tourism Sector
CLR: Looking ahead, how do you see Cambodia’s tourism sector evolving, especially with new developments like improved infrastructure and marketing efforts? How is Rosewood positioning itself to contribute to and benefit from this growth, and what advice would you give to others in the industry striving to stay competitive?
Cambodia’s tourism sector is poised for growth, supported by improved air connectivity and global marketing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodia Tourism Board. Rosewood Phnom Penh actively supports these initiatives by participating in overseas promotions and hosting international media. With the opening of the new expressway to Sihanoukville we have been able to create packages that encompasses the islands and Phnom Penh. The new Techo Takhmao International Airport in Phnom Penh, enables larger wide body planes to be used, thus enabling more tourists to travel directly to Cambodia.
Rather than focusing on what Cambodia lacks, the industry should highlight its strengths—authentic experiences, rich culture, and unparalleled hospitality. Consistency and staying true to our unique identity will be key to longterm success.
At Rosewood Phnom Penh, we are not just adapting to growth—we are helping to build a more sustainable future for Cambodian tourism through our local farmer partnerships, skills development programs, and sustainability initiatives. By strengthening the industry from within, we aim to contribute to its resilience and longterm prosperity. CLR
Cambodia Investment Review, in partnership with the International Business Chamber of Cambodia, has officially launched the Cambodia Leadership Review – 50 International Voices 2025. Now in its second edition, the publication highlights 50 of the most influential international business leaders and innovators contributing to Cambodia’s dynamic economic landscape.
Download the full publication here.
