With the successful completion of the U.N. sponsored elections in May 1993, the promulgation of a new Constitution in September 1993, and the re-establishment of the Monarchy under the leadership of His Majesty the King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Varman, the new internationally-recognized Royal Government of Cambodia is moving forward coniidently to develop the nation and to meet the aspirations of the Khmer people.

As the nation progresses, the Royal Government has determined that the development of the Kingdom's tourism industry is one of its most important priorities and one to which significant attention will be given.

In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism is pleased to highlight several steps and development plans which are being taken and which, in both the short and long run, will enhance Cambodia's ability to serve as an ideal international tourism dextination.

Starting in January 1994, the Government initiated a six-month rehabilitation program for Phnom Penh's Pochentong International Airport, Cambodia's primary arrival point for all international visitors. The recent Government decision to waive visa fees for visitors arriving at Pochentong lnternational Airport will greatly speed up the visa issuing process and enable tourists to be processed through immigration expeditiously.

The Government is in the process of examining the requirements to upgrade the airports in Siem Reap, home of Angkor, and Sihanoukville, Cambodia's seaside resort, to enable the facilities to handle direct international flights by 1994.

In a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, the Government will inaugurate in the near future, a new national air carrier called Royal Air Cambodge, which will offer domestic and international direct air service to major world capitals. Presently, with the new French built ATR 72 aircraft, air shuttle from Phnom Penh to Siemreap has been greatly enhanced.

A U.S. $24 million project was initiated to upgrade and renovate the 218 kilometer Highway 4, linking the Capital of Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. The improvement of this national route will greatly enhance tourism-related travel within the country.

The road system around the world famous temples of Angkor Wat are being rebuilt which will facilitate traffic flows to and from the temple complex area.

The Government is in the process of establishing a Hotel and Tourism School in the international curriculum so that Cambodian nationals can be trained in the most up-to-date tourism management and hospitality skils on par with internation standards.

Finally, the Prime Ministers, His Royal Highness Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh and Samdech Hun Sen, have openly invited the private sector to invest in the triangle development plan for Phnom Penh-Siem Reap/Angkor-Sihanoukville to develop resorts and hotels, golf courses, casinos, marinas, commercial centers, cultural centers, and other related tourism facilities. The response has been very encouraging so far. The Royal Government of Cambodia is pleased to highlight these important initiatives and looks forward to welcoming each and every visitor and investor alike from around the world.