A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration, School of Management

Research studies project report (M.B.A) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999

Irresistible pressures are transforming the worldwide aviation system. Civil Aviation has been recognized as a major catalyst for development of Cambodia. For Civil Aviation to be able to contribute effectively, it has to strengthen itself first through rehabilitation of its airports, provision of air navigation services and equipping the manpower with essential skills and the capacities and then become an effective instrument for attainment of national objective The government has identified the tourism industry as a major contributor to economic development and has modified aviation policies which, in the past, have largely been concerned with protecting the interest of their national airlines. Rehabilitation of civil aviation appeared necessary as it was the only viable and available mode for transportation, both within and outside the Cambodia. Although the economy has recently shown signs of gradual recovery from its instability, we observe that in practice, a lot of problems exist in the development of airports in Cambodia for the project partners such as: lack of capital, inconstancy of policies, poor infrastructure as well as inadequacy of human resources, management skills, political instability, etc. that made tourism industry in the country become less attractive. Based on the study, we identify some of the problems and offer points of consideration to the government and investors in developing of airport and establishing an attractive tourism industry in Cambodia.