SIEM REAP – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the luxury heritage hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, will host an exhibition by the renowned local painter Channy Chhoeun for the next several months.
The hotel will display Channy’s paintings in its elegant public areas and award-winning restaurants following an official launch event with the artist on Saturday, Jan. 18, and they will remain on view until the end of April. Channy’s exhibition, titled ‘Wild Spirits, Sacred Symbols’, is part of the 93-year-old Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s ongoing art and cultural series
Channy is known for his striking acrylic paintings, particularly those depicting birds. His artworks serve as a social commentary on man’s impact on the environment and have been praised for their unique aesthetic properties. Channy, a former hunter, says he cultivated a deep respect for wildlife as he came to better understand the threats animals face in the modern world. This shift in perspective, he says, influences his artistic expression.
Channy has been spotlighted by an international tour and travel operator in its ‘Local Legends’ programme, allowing visitors to travel to the remote village of Wat Avtea, south of Siem Reap, to tour Channy’s home studio and see a gallery showcasing his works.
The hotel received industry-leading Green Globe Certification last year in recognition of its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap was awarded the designations based on dedication to efficient resource management, in addition to innovative and engaging community programmes, unique environmental initiatives and other best practices.
“Sustainability is one of Raffles’ key areas of focus and we are proud to be helping lead the way toward a more eco-friendly future in tourism – not only in Cambodia but around the world,” said Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor hotel secured the Green Globe Certification through efforts to reduce food waste, optimize energy allocation and recycle waste. The hotel is also active in local community activities, annual tree-planting, sustainability management training and more.
Earlier this year, the 92-year-old icon of a hotel introduced a new fleet of electric tuk-tuks, providing an innovative and eco-friendly transportation option for guests. The new tuk-tuks are used in the hotel’s Curated Journeys, including “Reflections of Angkor,” in which guests hone their photography skills with a veteran photographer.
The Green Globe programme traces its roots back to the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, where 182 heads of state from around the world endorsed the Agenda 21 principles of sustainable development. Today, Green Globe has grown to become the world’s leading certification for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism worldwide.
The Green Globe Certification Standard includes 44 criteria in four groups and supported by over 380 compliance indicators. The standard has been developed over three decades and guarantees the highest level of sustainable operations and management.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers exploring the kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites.
