Newsletter No 1 ~ January 2003

Siem Reap / Cambodia, 7^th January, 2003

Warm Greetings from Asian Trails Cambodia!

Asian Trails is proud to announce the opening on 1^st January 2003 of our brand new office in Battambang. Mr Savuth Vong, our new Representative, will monitor all operations in this bustling town and can be reached at (855 12) 937 247. Asian Trails is eager to develop and enhance activities to provide more and better services on spot, address custom related services for an easy passage at Poipet border (crossing by road from Thailand into Cambodia), develop new exciting tours to Pailin and ultimately promote our breathtaking boat-transfers from Battambang to Siem Reap, operated with Asian Trails new flotilla, consisting of 4 small vessels (10 seats) -and one big boat (25 seats with toilet).

Asian Trails Cambodia has successfully implemented its second International Symposium (Mekong Malaria Symposium / 10-13^th December 2002) at the Apsara Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap. 350 participants from 24 different countries were evoking Malaria related objectives, such as offering a maximum opportunity to exchange valuable information and experiences, discuss informally with colleagues from 24 different countries and finally discover the beauty of Ankgor Wat.

Cambodia will host this extremely important event in Phnom Penh from 20-28^th January 2003. ATF is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination and provides a platform for the selling and buying of regional and individual tourism products of ASEAN member countries. Cambodia is also proud to announce the launch of its "Visit Cambodia Year 2003-A World of Treasures".

Enjoy 2 nightly spectacles with Sound-and-light on January 13^th and 21^st 2003 on Phimeanakas Palace and discover the Kingdom through various types of popular and classical dances, with their magnificent costumes. Shows start at 17.45h and end at 19.30h with a dinner included at a local restaurant. Please contact us for further information.

 Airport News:

Taking off from Paris Charles-de-Gaulles on 3^rd February, a Wide-Body Boeing 747-400 of Air France, will touch-down for the first time at Phnom Penh’s new International Airport on February 4^th, just in-time for the launch of its official opening. Asian Trails has been chosen as the official organizer of this exciting event, which includes the venue of Ministers from France and Malaysia.

On 14th December 2002 took place the opening of Siem Reap’s new International Airport, after a 2-years building phase. It’s generously designed shape and size provides international standard facilities, such as large air-conditioned arrival/departure launches, VIP-Rooms, luggage belts, easy accessible Immigration -and custom areas, Public Telephones, Money Changer, Taxi –and In-Bound Agent boots and finally large parking areas being capable to absorb the fast growing visitors traffic.

Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh is proud to announce the return of their Residence Manager from France, Mr. Pierre Bernard.

The new Amansara is nestled on the Siem Reap River (opposite the Grand Hotel) and was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. Each of its 12 suites are air-conditioned, have ceiling fans, telephone with twin lines for Internet access, room safe and a CD music system. Amansara (G.M. Toby Anderson from U.K.) provides "The Dining Room" Restaurant, which offers both traditional Asian and western cuisine, The Gallery Boutique, a Roof Terrace that offers casual seating on large scattered cushions and a uniquely shaped swimming pool measuring nine –by 17^th meters. Official opening 31^st January 2003.

Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap will open November 2003. More information in our next issue.

Ecole d'Hotelliere et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule Siem Reap (opened in October 2002) aims to offer high quality hospitality training that meets both international standards and the needs of the local employers, small, medium and international hotels, travel agents and large tour operators. Starting 15^th January its in-house restaurant serves lunch-buffet in a friendly and disciplined environment, where students can maximise their educational and personal benefits.

Sala Bai Hotel School Siem Reap is managed by the French NGO "Agir pour le Cambodge" and co-financed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The free hotel school Sala Bai trains underprivileged Khmer youngsters to the jobs of cooker, waiter, housekeeper and receptionist and provides an eleven-month training program, with internship within the largest hotels of the Angkorian region. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11.45h until 13.45h the restaurant welcomes guests to taste a succulent lunch.

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