Luxury with Purpose: Cambodia's Hospitality Evolution
- Andrew Millar
- Jun 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 25
TOP 50 INTERVIEW: Daniel Simon
March 2025
Daniel Simon, a key figure in the hospitality sector, shares insights on his leadership philosophy, the role of Rosewood Phnom Penh in uplifting local talent and farmers, and how the hotel 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 & Guiding Principles
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 us being able to promote many Cambodians to roles that were in the past held by expats with 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 honour, the most meaningful reward comes from the feedback from our guests, especially when they express how their experience in Cambodia exceeded expectations, connecting with our staff and Cambodians in general.
Challenges & Opportunities in Hospitality
CLR: Cambodia’s tourism industry is evolving post-pandemic, with a focus on attracting both leisure and business travellers. 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, Emirates, and soon-to-come Etihad and Turkish Airlines is driving recovery.
Another challenge is global awareness. Many travellers 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.
Innovation & Guest Experience 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 travellers 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 flavours 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 encompass 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 long-term 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 programmes and sustainability initiatives.
By strengthening the industry from within, we aim to contribute to its resilience and long-term prosperity."
About Daniel Simon
Originally from Sweden, Daniel is the Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh and was appointed to the role in July 2021.
With more than 30 years in luxury hospitality, Daniel's experience spans Four Seasons in Bali, Tokyo and Toronto; Celebrity Cruises; and positions at W Koh Samui and Anantara Siam Bangkok. Under his leadership, the Rosewood hotel has earned multiple accolades, including his own recognition as Best GM in Cambodia by Travel + Leisure readers. He actively advances local initiatives, from hydroponic farming and sourcing produce directly from Cambodian farmers, to comprehensive staff training and paid internships, fostering sustainability and local talent development.
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In partnership with Cambodia Investment Review (CIR) and the International Business Chamber of Cambodia (IBC), Cambodia Leadership Review has officially launched 50 International Leaders 2025.
Now in its second edition, the publication highlights 50 of the most influential international business and organisational leaders and innovators contributing to Cambodia’s dynamic economic landscape, including Daniel Simon.