Responsible Tourism Practice
Empowering Our Team and Strengthening Our Community
At Babel Siem Reap, we don’t just host guests; we invest in the people and the place we call home. We believe that sustainable tourism starts with fair treatment and long-term support for our local team.
How We Support Our Staff
We run Babel in partnership with our incredible local staff and tuk-tuk drivers. We are committed to providing more than just a job; we provide a career path:
Professional Development: Every team member receives fair working conditions, consistent professional training, and on-site English language lessons.
The Babel Education Program: We go a step further by sponsoring higher education opportunities for staff who wish to further their qualifications.
Community & Environmental Partnerships
Beyond our front doors, we work to ensure that tourism acts as a force for good in Cambodia:
Active Collaboration: We partner with local organizations and like-minded businesses to support the Siem Reap community and protect our environment.
Guest Education: We are passionate about passing our knowledge on to you. We provide tips and insights so that your visit actively benefits the local culture and preserves the environment for future generations.
Babel Education Program
Investing in Futures: The Babel Education Program
At Babel Siem Reap, we believe that education is the most powerful tool for empowerment. We are deeply committed to the professional and personal growth of our entire team, including our staff and tuk-tuk drivers. Through the Babel Education Program, we help our team grow their careers and reach their goals.
Our Educational Pillars:
Higher Education Sponsorship: We proudly offer scholarships for our team to pursue degrees and certifications at leading local institutions, including:
Build Bright University (BBU)
ACE School (Australian Centre for Education)
The University of South East Asia
On-Site Language Training: We provide English lessons directly at Babel to improve daily communication and guest interaction.
Team Growth & Connection: In May and June 2025, we partnered with local resource center Spean Chivit for a 6-week self-awareness and team-building course. This program empowered our staff to grow their confidence and deepen their connection to our community—bringing a new sense of pride to the unique Siem Reap experiences they share with our guests.
Supporting Cambodia:
The Solhaug Fund
Our commitment to the local community is rooted in our history. The Solhaug Fund was established in 2010 to honor the 60th birthday of John-Daniel Solhaug (the father of Babel owner Katrine).
Where Your Donations Go
The fund is the primary supporter of the Babel Education Program, but our impact extends across several vital areas:
Education: We provide scholarships and support learning initiatives for underprivileged children and young adults, including the Young Adult Program at the Sangkheum Center.
Community Welfare: We support local sports programs and essential healthcare initiatives to improve quality of life.
Environmental Action: We invest in projects that fight against plastic pollution to protect the natural beauty of Cambodia.
Sustainable Group Tours
At Babel Siem Reap, we specialize in organizing high-quality, custom group tours throughout Cambodia. With over 15 years of experience in the tourism industry, we have the expertise to arrange seamless travel for groups of all ages, interests, and mobility needs.
Why Choose Babel for Your Group Tour?
We believe that travel should be a force for good. When you book your group tour with us, you are guaranteed an experience that is both professional and purpose-driven.
Commitment to Child Protection: ChildSafe Certification
At Babel Siem Reap, the safety of children and youth is a top priority. We are a proud ChildSafe certified business, a commitment we have upheld since early 2008. The ChildSafe Movement, initiated by Friends-International in 2005, provides the global standard for protecting young people from all forms of abuse.
Our Approach to Child Protection
We believe that protecting children requires continuous action, not just a one-time policy. Our ongoing commitment includes:
Ongoing Certification: We have maintained our ChildSafe certification for over 15 years, ensuring our policies align with the latest global safety standards.
Continuous Staff Training: Every three years, our entire team undergoes updated training led by ChildSafe specialists to ensure our protection measures remain proactive and effective.
Industry Leadership: Babel was the first hotel/guesthouse in Cambodia to integrate all our Tuk Tuk drivers into this vital training, ensuring that our protection network extends beyond our hotel walls and into the community.