Cambodia-based Royal Group has unveiled its plans to develop Koh Rong into a large tourism destination and establish the island as the new "Asian Riviera".

The Royal Group, which already owns hotels and resorts in the region, plans to transform the Camnodia's tourism industry which until now has almost exclusively depended on the attraction of the famous Angkor Wat.

The plans will be based on a six-month study by Hong Kong-based MAP Architects and consultants Scott Wilson which produced the outlines of a "vision for one of the last undiscovered paradises in South-East Asia".

A five-year timetable has been set for the completion of the first phase, while the completion of the entire infrastructure is expected to take 25 years.

Plans include a number of hotels to be built on the coast, ranging from midmarket three-star properties to opulent luxury resort hotels.

An international airport in the centre of the island will allow international flights, while a working seaport will service ferries, equipment and supply shipments, and roll-on, roll-off operations.

A separate marina will accommodate pleasure boats, yachts and cruise ships, with a boardwalk of boutiques, restaurants, bars and guesthouses.

At least three golf courses will be built, although the initial phase of development only includes the creation of a small-scale nine-hole course.

Huge emphasis will be placed in making the development ecologically friendly and sustainable.

During the feasibility study, consultants Scott Wilson explored a number of options to meet demand for fresh water. These ranged from small reservoirs and dams to tapping spring water from a deep aquifa well beneath the island.

The plans also include a suggestion which could make it compulsory for developers to trap rainwater on their roofs.

The sustainability vision extends to organic farming and fish-husbandry projects to meet much of the island's demand for food produce - and provide employment for the island's indigenous fishing community, estimated at around 300 families.

Lauri Van Run, general manager for Scott Wilson, who headed the environmental survey, said: "The master plan for Koh Rong presents perhaps a unique opportunity to create virtually from the beginning a truly ecologically sustainable large scale resort community.

"Now we need to sell this island to the world, with an established brand to realize the dream."

Royal Group has been granted a 99-year lease by the Cambodian government to develop Koh Rong. CBRE Thailand has been selected the exclusive advisor and sole agent for developing the island.