Cambodia Leadership Review
TRIBE Phnom Penh is redefining the hotel experience in Cambodia’s capital—bringing a fresh, design-forward, and purpose-driven approach to lifestyle hospitality. At the helm is Jeremie Clément, a seasoned hotelier leading the brand’s mission to deliver “functional luxury” tailored to modern travelers. In this interview, Jeremie shares how TRIBE’s journey from its origins in Australia to its bold arrival in Phnom Penh reflects the changing face of global travel.
From Perth to Phnom Penh: TRIBE’s Global Journey
CLR: TRIBE began in Australia with a mission to rethink the hotel experience—prioritizing smart design and essentials over excess. Can you share how the brand’s journey from Perth to Phnom Penh unfolded, and what makes the Phnom Penh property a unique expression of the TRIBE philosophy?
TRIBE, part of Accor now, started in Australia in 2017 with a clear mission: to redefine the hotel experience by stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what really matters. It is a brand rooted in functional design, comfort, and creativity, a lifestyle approach that speaks directly to modern travelers. When TRIBE expanded into Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh was a natural choice. The city is at a turning point: it is developing fast, but it still holds a strong cultural identity. That balance is exactly what TRIBE is about.
Read More: TRIBE Phnom Penh, Much More Than A Hotel
At TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square, we’ve brought that original Australian DNA into a completely new context. We are located in the heart of the capital, near embassies, the riverside, and the historical Post Office, which gives us access to both business and leisure travelers. But beyond location, what truly makes this property unique is how we’ve embedded the TRIBE philosophy into every detail, from our creative social spaces to our bold Food&Beverage offerings and thoughtful room layouts.
In a market that’s often polarized between ultra-luxury and budget, TRIBE presents a new category: affordable lifestyle with smart design and quality essentials. Guests appreciate that we don’t over-promise, we deliver exactly what’s needed, beautifully executed. Whether it’s our rooftop pool and bar, our multiple dining concepts, or our new MICE facility, “The Studio,” we’ve created a hotel that feels fresh, fun, and functional, without losing sight of comfort.
Leadership in a Lifestyle Brand
CLR: As General Manager of a hotel that’s part of a fast-growing, design-forward brand, how would you describe your leadership approach? What does it take to lead a team and deliver guest experiences in such a dynamic hospitality environment?
Leading a lifestyle brand like TRIBE requires a different mindset than a traditional hotel. It is not just about maintaining standards, it is about building a culture that reflects the brand’s personality. At TRIBE Phnom Penh, my leadership style is grounded in empowerment and adaptability. I believe in surrounding myself with creative thinkers who understand the brand values and can bring them to life authentically.
We operate in a fast-moving environment. Lifestyle travelers don’t just want service, they want connection. That is why I focus on developing a team that is not only trained in service delivery, but also encouraged to be themselves and bring their own energy to the guest experience. This is especially important in Cambodia, where hospitality is naturally warm and welcoming. I want my team to feel proud of where they work and excited about what we offer.
The pace of change in the hospitality industry is accelerating, guest expectations shift quickly, especially in emerging markets like Phnom Penh. Leading in this context means staying close to the ground, listening to feedback, and being agile in our response. Whether it’s updating our Food&Beverage concepts, improving digital touchpoints, or adjusting our MICE packages, I believe leadership in lifestyle hospitality is about constant evolution, while keeping the team engaged and aligned on the bigger picture.
That said, TRIBE may be a lifestyle brand, but I am a General Manager who is still deeply focused on guest satisfaction and service. To me, happy guests and returning guests are the most important indicators of success. I always aim for top rankings across all platforms, TripAdvisor, Google, OTA channels, and the Accor system. Achieving that requires consistency, discipline, and hard work from the entire team, and it is also incredibly rewarding for all of us.
Catering to the Next-Gen Traveller
CLR: TRIBE’s model focuses on functional luxury—everything guests need and nothing they don’t. How do you see traveler expectations changing in Cambodia, and how is TRIBE positioned to meet the needs of this new generation?
Today’s travelers, especially the next generation, are no longer content with just a bed and breakfast. They seek a space that reflects their lifestyle: flexible, inspiring, connected, and thoughtful. At TRIBE, we focus on what we call “functional luxury”, offering everything guests need, and nothing they don’t. That’s the essence of our concept, and it is what truly sets us apart.
In Cambodia, traveler expectations are evolving rapidly. We are seeing a growing number of regional business travelers, digital nomads, and short-stay urban explorers. These guests aren’t looking for excess, they want value, purposeful design, and convenience. They expect fast and stable Wi-Fi, great coffee in the morning, inspiring food throughout the day, and spaces where they can work, connect, or simply unwind.
TRIBE Phnom Penh is built exactly with this in mind.
We are more than just a hotel; we are a real lifestyle experience. Guests who check out at noon but have a flight late in the evening will never feel out of place or like they’re just passing time. They can stay and enjoy our Tribe café, grab a fresh snack, or set up in our co-working space. They will be greeted by name because our team remembers faces, and more importantly, we remember people. That sense of welcome, of recognition, is part of the lifestyle we offer.
What makes us especially unique in the Cambodian market is the diversity and quality of our in-house offerings. With six distinct restaurants including a rooftop bar, all-day dining, and casual social spaces, we create an environment that is vibrant and inclusive. This isn’t something commonly found in hotels here, and we are proud to be among the first to offer it in this way.
The “next-gen” traveler wants spaces that blend leisure and productivity, and TRIBE does that effortlessly. But honestly, it is not just for the next generation. We see senior travelers, creative professionals, corporate guests, and first-time visitors all enjoying what we provide. Whether you’re in your twenties or sixties, everyone is welcome at TRIBE. The lifestyle we offer isn’t defined by age; it’s defined by attitude. We have noticed that travelers in Cambodia are becoming more discerning. They are moving beyond the “cheap and cheerful” mindset and are willing to invest in experiences that feel curated, warm, and meaningful.
At TRIBE, we meet that expectation with a design-led environment, sincere hospitality, and flexible services that allow every guest to make the most of their time, whether they are here for 12 hours or 12 days. In short, TRIBE Phnom Penh is not just a hotel stay, it is a full lifestyle offering where guests feel at ease, inspired, and connected. And that’s exactly what the modern traveler is looking for.
Global Standards, Local Connections
CLR: How do you ensure that TRIBE Phnom Penh maintains international standards while still offering authentic Cambodian hospitality? What role does the local context play in shaping the guest experience, design, or food and beverage offerings?
One of the key challenges in managing an international hotel is maintaining brand consistency while embracing local authenticity. At TRIBE Phnom Penh, we work hard to strike that balance. We adhere to global standards in service, hygiene, design, and technology because that’s what our guests expect. But we also infuse local elements throughout the property, in ways that feel natural and relevant.
Sustainability is also a core part of our identity. TRIBE Phnom Penh was proud to be the very first hotel in Cambodia to receive the Green Key certification. This recognition reflects our commitment to operating responsibly, reducing our environmental impact, and supporting the local community. For us, it’s not just a trend, it’s a long-term mindset. We are also proud to offer six outlets within the hotel, catering to all kinds of tastes, from a fun Cambodian concept to Italian, Chinese, a steakhouse, and even a creative Mekong-inspired rooftop venue.
Just steps from our doors, we also have a true French retro bistro and a lively Italian restaurant, adding even more variety for our guests. When it comes to local connections and culinary diversity, TRIBE Phnom Penh is ideally positioned, offering an experience that is both global and deeply rooted in the local scene. The human touch is where Cambodian hospitality really shines. It is something you can’t teach, you feel it. We encourage our team to be themselves and to interact with guests genuinely. That’s what turns a stay into a memory. We are not trying to replicate Perth or Paris, we are building something that speaks to Phnom Penh while still being unmistakably TRIBE.
Phnom Penh’s Growing Tourism Scene
CLR: With Cambodia investing heavily in tourism and infrastructure, what excites you most about the growth of Phnom Penh as a regional destination? How do you see TRIBE contributing to that evolution over the next few years?
Phnom Penh is at an exciting crossroads. The city is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, from roads and riverside upgrades to the long-awaited new airport.
These developments are critical if Phnom Penh wants to compete with cities like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. While those cities target tens of millions of tourists annually, Phnom Penh is aiming for 7 million by 2025, a big goal, but one that reflects growing ambition.
What excites me most is the opportunity to shape the identity of Phnom Penh as a fresh, modern destination. Unlike other capitals that feel overcrowded or overdeveloped, Phnom Penh still offers room to breathe. There’s authenticity here, real local experiences, creative entrepreneurs, cultural depth and that is attractive to today’s traveler.
Tribe is very much a part of that movement. We are more than a hotel, we are a hub for ideas, events, business, and creativity. We recently opened “The Studio,” a flexible ballroom space for over 200 guests, to meet the growing demand for MICE and social events. We’re also seeing strong traction in Food&Beverage from both residents and expats, who see Tribe as a lifestyle destination in its own right.
Looking ahead, there are real opportunities in niche markets too. One area I’m particularly optimistic about is golf tourism. With the launch of Chhun On Golf Resort and other high-quality courses nearby, Phnom Penh is quietly becoming a player in this segment. That is a great fit for hotels like ours, which cater to travelers who mix business with leisure.
Ultimately, I believe Phnom Penh has the potential to be one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting capitals over the next decade. As long as we keep improving flight connectivity, investing in quality experiences, and supporting creative development, the city will continue to rise. At TRIBE, we’re committed to being part of that journey offering a new standard of hospitality that reflects the best of Cambodia’s past, present, and future. CLR
