The article describes the increase in "orphanage tourism" in Cambodia, which has led to many new orphanages being created to serve the country's tourism industry. It is estimated that 75% of the children in orphanages in Cambodia are not actual orphans; they usually have one or both biological parents still living. Many poor families in Cambodia decide to send their children to orphanages with the hope that they will receive better access to food, clothing, and education.
Organizations working on child protection have initiated campaigns to stop orphanage tourism, urging tourists not to volunteer and educating on the harms of such practices. The Cambodian government plans to stop new orphanages from opening and has promised annual inspections of existing orphanages. Since 2011, the government has shut down 11 orphanages for failing to meet minimum care standards.