Naga Corp’s US$350-million Resort in Siem Reap province dismissed

• 24 March 2021
• Local News
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The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has decided to dismiss the proposed $350-milion resort development in the Angkor Archaeological Park by Naga Corp after controversial discussions, stating the project​ negatively affects the archaeological park.

In a press release issued on 23 March, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts stated that the “Angkor Lake of Wonder” proposed by the Naga Corp “cannot be implemented in this context”.

The ministry said the decision was made after having carefully considered the proposal and taking into account comments given during the 27th Plenary Session of the ICC-Angkor held on 27 January as well as in two other subsequent special sessions held on 22 February and 4 March.

This decision to dismiss this project also came after UNESCO last month voiced concerns that the project could cause negative impacts on the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. (Read more)

UNESCO claimed that the proximity of the site, the scale, scope and concept of the planned activities could indeed have an impact on the area including its setting, the surrounding landscape, the environment and the archaeological remains, all of which are an integral part of this World Heritage property.

NagaCorp Chairman Tim McNally a week later indirectly responded to UNESCO that his firm will carefully study further, closely cooperate with the local government, and take into account various views before developing the US$350- million non-casino resort in Siem Reap. (Read more)

Announced by the NagaCorp in November last, the project is claimed to be a non-casino resort, consisting of hotels, a water theme park, indoor hi-tech theme parks, a canal and water cruise attractions, meeting, conferences and exhibitions facilities (MICE), cultural attractions, food streets and pubs. (Read more)

• Policy and Strategy
• Tourism and Travelling