tuktukrental.com Enters Cambodian Market
tuktukrental.com has confirmed its expansion into Cambodia in August 2024 as the social business offers their service allowing for tourists to rent tuk tuks.
The company announced it has enabled 600 tuk tuk owners to earn USD $1.5 million by renting their tuk tuks to foreigners in Sri Lanka in 2024, where tourists have sought the unique travel experience. They said they are the only tuk-tuk rental company registered under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and launched in 2016 to become the largest tuk-tuk rental service in the world.
At the company's Tuk Tuk conference, they announced they hope to have 1,000 vehicles in their fleet by the end of 2024.
Tom Cornish, Co-Founder at tuktukrental.com said, “At tuktukrental.com, we believe in the power of tourism to transform lives and create unique experiences. We are committed to working with local communities to make a meaningful impact that drives sustainable growth. Since the company’s inception in 2016, we have successfully supported over 600 families in Sri Lanka and contributed more than USD $1.5 million in income for tuktuk owners. Leveraging our learnings from Sri Lanka, we are taking the next step in our journey with the expansion to Cambodia this year. We look forward to the continued support and partnership of our suppliers and customers as we embark on this new chapter together,
Some of the reasons they have entered the Cambodian market include the wide use of motor bicycles, and because Cambodia is highly dollarised.
In Sri Lanka, they source tuk-tuks from the local community, offer comprehensive insurance for all parties including third-party claims, and offer pre-arranged special local tuk-tuk licenses, Sri Lankan driving etiquette lessons, and on-the-road travel kits. It's not clear that these will be available in Cambodia due to the differing laws.
tuktukrental.com Cambodia Services
tuktukrental.com said it also covers repair costs during trips, provides unlimited kilometres, and offers convenient pick-up and drop-off locations across Sri Lanka but the offerings in Cambodia didn't seem as extensive at this early stage.
Based on their website options for Cambodia, the current pickup/drop-off destinations are Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Battambang. For example, a five-day hire would cost USD $110 ($22 per day) but a USD $150 deposit was also required.
- There were also options to rent Bluetooth speakers and a coolbox for an additional fee.
- Payments were possible via credit card or cryptocurrency (BTC, ETC or USDC).
- The service was available to anyone with a valid driver's licence (although it did not say how that is verified).
There is bound to be some resistance to the idea in the Kingdom, as it will be perceived as taking work away from local drivers, who are already under pressure with the lower tourism numbers and higher costs of living post-pandemic. There have also been a few instances of foreigners using tuk tuks which was met with some anger and resentment in Cambodia, while others found the sight curious.
tuktukrental.com says online in their first published blog on Cambodia “Locals are used to tourists travelling on scooters and motorbikes, especially in Siem Reap. However, there’s genuine intrigue when they see a tourist driving a tuktuk. Similar to Sri Lanka, locals associate the tuktuk with lower-income families. They probably wouldn’t expect a Western tourist to be in the driver’s seat. You’ll often be greeted with double takes and laughs as locals approach you to find out what you’re doing in a tuktuk. It’s a great conversation starter.”
That last sentiment will be tested, and the company has some way to go to educate locals and tourists on how the services will be mutually beneficial and take on board local cultural concerns as they look to expand in the Kingdom. It can be argued, however. that this will form part of the “different tourist experiences” needed to encourage more tourists to visit Cambodia which has been highlighted by several in the Cambodian tourism industry.