Catherine Germier-Hamel

Chief Executive Officer

What excites you about the Mekong Region?

I first traveled to the Mekong region through the many stories shared by my parents about their childhood, and the delicious food prepared by my mother and my grandmothers. It took me a while to finally make the trip. I was in my early thirties when I visited the region for the first time, starting with Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. I immediately felt a sense of familiarity and belonging and became passionate about the beauty and diversity of all the places I discovered throughout the years. Most importantly, I have truly valued the hospitality, generosity, and spirituality of the people I had a chance to meet. In so many ways, they helped me reconfirm my life purpose.

Tell us about your Background

I was born, raised, and educated in France, with half of my roots grounded in the Mekong region: my parents are both Eurasians from Indochina, like my grandparents. I wanted to explore the world and make it a better place for all from a young age. For over 25 years, I have built an international career dedicated to global and local development, including nine years in the field of environmental utilities. In 2005, I relocated to Korea with my husband, and since then, I have gained experience in sustainable tourism development and marketing, as director of global programs and consultant, then impact entrepreneur.

How do you want to make an impact for the region?

I believe the Mekong region has the potential to stand as a model of inclusive and harmonious growth through sustainable tourism development. I am strongly determined to actively support all efforts to promote it as an attractive, resilient, and vibrant travel destination, based on innovative business models and solutions. The tourism and hospitality industry can and should provide job and income opportunities to the locals while making sure no one is left behind. It is also essential that it empowers them so that they can lead their life proudly and independently. Together, let’s rebuild the Mekong region as a safe haven for all.