Cambodian Islands
Pristine islands and the country's growing tourism means development
The government are making the development of Cambodia's islands, the focus of their new push to attract developers.
The English language Cambodia Weekly quoted Tourism Ministry Secretary of State Thon Khon as saying that the untouched, pristine islands of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, will be ideal for development and investment. At least 61 islands are lined up to broaden the base of the country's growing tourism market.
Tourism in Cambodia is still very narrow based. Apart from the temples of Angkor Wat in the north of the country, the industry is not very robust. Visitors to the temples will be encouraged to spend longer time in Cambodia by visiting the beaches which will be developed to attract the well-heeled as well as the budget holiday makers who have been the mainstay of Cambodia's tourism for many years.
The Ministry of Tourism's annual report recorded a total of 1.7 million visitors to Cambodia in 2006, up by 20%, a number which left $1 billion in revenue up from £832 in 2005. These figures however, depended largely on visitors to Siem Reap, the site of Angkor Wat. Siem Reap also has an international airport.
The government is quoted as saying they are asking for money in the region of $1000 per hectare from investors. There will be a forfeit to pay if the investors don't develop the land within six months, which should deter all but the most serious punters.
It had been announced last September that the government had signed an agreement with a Russian company to develop a coastal island. An initial investment of $300 million was reported to have been on the table.
With tourism in Asia escalating at an alarming rate, it may now be Cambodia's turn.
See also Angkor Wat Under Seige
