Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Battambang wins ‘best countdown’ honours

Battambang wins ‘best countdown’ honours

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Revelers enjoy celebrations in Siem Reap on New Year’s Eve. Hong Menea

Battambang wins ‘best countdown’ honours

Public voting has closed for the Clean City prizes for the Best New Year’s Eve Countdown City of The Year 2022. The results have been tallied, and Battambang province took first place, followed by Preah Sihanouk and Siem Reapw.

Voting, via a government website, was open from December 31 to January 2.

The National Committee for Clean City Evaluation and the Ministry of Tourism congratulated the three provinces on their awards. An award ceremony will take place on February 27, National Clean City Day.

Battambang provincial governor Sok Lou said a team from the provincial authorities had decorated the city with lights and held concerts, art performances and an exhibition of local food.

“We are pleased that so many tourists and visitors to our beautiful province took the time to scan the tourism ministry’s QR codes and vote for us. It is a source of pride that our preparations were so successful, and we are already planning how we can make next year’s celebrations even more spectacular,” he added.

“Battambang province is rich in historical sites, eco-tourism, stunning examples of French colonial architecture and sumptuous food. Its abundance of riches have long drawn tourists to the province,” he continued.

Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche said he was proud that the province had been able to secure second place in the contest, and that the administration would use the award as motivation to redouble their preparations for next year, in terms of beauty, hygiene and infrastructure.

“Although we did not take the first place yet, we are happy with our second place finish. This award is a source of pride to the provincial administration and will bring the residents of the province great joy,” he added.

He continued that the award was an indicator that tourists were gradually returning to the province.

“Although our visitors were principally domestic tourists, this demonstrates what an attractive location we have. We should be preparing for a rapid increase in guests from all around the world, and use this time to further develop our security mechanisms and waste management strategies,” he said.

Dimanche added that there were many contributing factors to the attraction that the province held for tourists. In recent years, the infrastructure and public beaches have undergone significant improvements.

“The government has successfully brought the pandemic under control through vaccination campaigns and health measure implementation, and so we expect more and more people to take advantage of the province’s many attractive islands, sandy beaches and natural resorts,” he concluded.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the