A night view of Siem Reap provincial town in December 30. Siem Reap Provincial Administration
The National Committee for Clean City Evaluation and the Ministry of Tourism are holding the “Best New Year’s Eve Countdown City 2024” competition, inviting the public to vote for their favourite city.
According to a joint announcement from the two governmental bodies, the contest focuses on criteria including decoration, design, hygiene, environment, security, safety, order and the satisfaction and enjoyment of tourists and participants.
“In this regard, the [committee] and the tourism ministry would like to invite the public to vote for their favourite city through the website http://bestcountdowncity.cambodiacleancity.com [by 5pm today],” stated the ministry.
Ho Vandy, an advisor to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) stated on December 31 that the event is held annually by the ministry.
“The competition is a way to encourage major tourist destinations to focus more on organising their provinces to attract tourists during New Year’s Eve. The association supports the organisation of such events, especially urging tour operators to abandon the habit of selling goods at higher prices during festivals,” he said.
For Preah Sihanouk province, coastal areas are adorned differently each year, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every New Year’s Eve, uninterrupted by Covid-19, according to provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche.
“As we know, last year our province was second and this year Preah Sihanouk aims to be more unique and beautiful than in previous years. Provincial and municipal administrations are prioritising hygiene, environment, security, safety and order for tourists during the New Year countdown,” he stated.
Prime Minister Hun Manet had previously instructed the ministry to collaborate with the capital and provincial administrations to decorate as many entertainment venues as possible to serve national and international tourists during the festivities.
He encouraged the participation of the private sector by organising concerts, art performances, Kun Khmer boxing and other entertainment options to enhance the attractiveness to both domestic and international tourists.
“The tourism ministry and the National Committee for Clean City Evaluation must continue to organise competition programmes to be enjoyed and evaluated … as this is integral to promoting national tourism,” the prime minister stated.
According to the ministry, New Year’s Eve 2023 saw three provinces win the title of best countdown – Battambang province ranked first, Preah Sihanouk second and Siem Reap third.
