Cambodian group plans next Asian Riviera
The Royal Group of Cambodia has unveiled its master plan to transform the island of Koh Rong into Asia’s first “environmentally planned resort destination”.
A six-month study by MAP Architects of Hong Kong and environmental consultants Scott Wilson has led the developers to label the project as the “next Asian Riviera”.
The study embraces infrastructural development of an airport, marina, port and roads to proposed locations for resorts, hotels, golf courses, shopping, restaurants, bars and entertainment.
The master plan is now being distributed to international investors, developers and leading hotel and resort operators to establish partnerships.
The project has a five-year timetable for the first phase, and ultimate completion in 25 years.
“Some of world’s top resort operators and 5-star hotel groups are already eyeing early progress with keen interest,” said David Simister, chairman of CBRE Thailand, the exclusive advisor and sole agent for developing the island.
“They see it as the next big opportunity in a world where quality tourism development options are shrinking.”
The master plan has identified locations for a range of 3-star to 5-star properties. “Although the island is mostly a luxury destination, there will be something for everybody,” said MAP Architects director, David Clarke.
Koh Rong is less than one hour’s flight from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, and approximately two hours from Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Royal Group, one of Cambodia’s largest corporations with substantial interests in property and infrastructure development, has been granted a 99-year lease by the Cambodian government to develop Koh Rong.
The eco-model for Koh Rong is the vision of its tycoon chairman Kith Meng who said, “Our national tourism to Siem Reap is well developed with world famous Angkor Wat, but the potential of the country’s beautiful coastline is the missing link in the overall development of Cambodia’s tourism.”
Ian Jarrett
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