The Host Organization
- Kingdom of Wow is a social enterprise in Siem Reap, Cambodia, dedicated to crafting beautiful, ethical footwear while empowering local artisans. They provide fair wages and a safe working environment for their employees, primarily women, while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
- KOW is a leader in ethical footwear production, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices.
Dedicated Professional Tour Brief
- Suitable for: Sustainable Fashion Professionals and Advocates
- Project type: Ethical Tourism Experience
- Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Duration: 1 hour 1/2
- Availability: The tour is available upon appointment.
Description
This tour is designed for professionals in ethical fashion, fair trade, and related fields (designers, retailers, quality control experts, sustainability consultants), journalists and communicators seeking compelling stories, and academics researching social enterprises.
A visit to KOW’s newly opened workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, offers a unique opportunity for professionals to witness ethical production firsthand, share their expertise, and support a social business that empowers local communities.
Experience
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- In-Depth Exploration: Immerse yourself in the workshop, examining production processes, quality control measures, and operational efficiency.
- Expert Exchange: Engage in dialogue with KOW management and artisans, sharing knowledge and expertise.
- For Journalists and Communicators: Access exclusive interviews, guided storytelling sessions, and opportunities to capture authentic moments for your stories.
- Explore Collaboration: Share your expertise to help KOW improve its production processes, expand its market reach, or enhance its brand story. Discover potential partnerships, such as featuring KOW in articles, documentaries, or other media platforms.
- Gain Valuable Insights: Frame the KOW experience as a case study in ethical business practices, social entrepreneurship, and community development.
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“We always welcome visitors who are interested in our business model or the products we make. We’ve had visitors with quality control expertise who provided invaluable advice on improving our processes.
Several times, visitors who own shops in their home country have started stocking our products after visiting the workshop, expanding our brand’s reach.
We’ve also had journalists visiting on holiday, who wrote articles about us based on their experience.
All these interactions are incredibly valuable to our company, helping us grow and empower our community.”
Godie Van de Paal , KOW Founder and Director
Beyond the Tour
- Research KOW beforehand to understand their mission, values, and impact on the local community.
- Be respectful of the cultural context and treat everyone at KOW with courtesy and consideration.
- Embrace the experience and use your time with KOW to learn, connect, and make a positive contribution.
- Continue supporting KOW by sharing your experiences on social media, recommending their products to friends and family, or exploring other opportunities to support their mission.
Key Takeaways
- Deepen your understanding :Gain valuable insights into ethical and sustainable business models.
- Appreciate Craftmanship :Value the skills and artistry behind each pair of shoes.
- Contribute to a Larger Impact: Help shape the future of ethical fashion by supporting KOW’s growth and brand awareness.
- Support Ethical Tourism Practices: Experience firsthand the real-life Cambodian environment and connect with Cambodia and its people with respect for the community.