Coast prepares to welcome New Year tourist influx

The coastal provinces are preparing for an influx of local and international visitors hoping to welcome the New Year in one of Cambodia’s many splendid beaches.

Yun Min, Preah Sihanouk’s governor, said the bulk of celebrations will take place at Independence Beach, where a four-day concert, from Dec 28 to New Year’s Eve, is planned.

On top of the more than 9,000 hotel and guesthouse rooms available in Sihanoukville, Mr Min said provincial authorities are setting up 300 tents at Ochheuteal Beach, which will range in price (from $2 to $15) and capacity (from two to four people).

“The administration also prepared 40 mobile toilets and changing rooms. Security has been strengthened as well,” he said.

“In addition, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Preah Sihanouk, we will be setting up 250 booths to display Khmer products that will attract more national and international tourists,” Mr Min added.

Soy Sinol, director of Kampot’s tourism department, said this is high season for tourists, adding that preparation work for festivities is centred on three areas: Kampot city, Bokor Mountain, and Nataya Resort

He said Kampot will hold a concert and a firework display.

“I have also received news from hotel and guesthouse managers that the number of bookings for New Year is very high, particularly in Kampot city, Bokor Mountain and Nataya Resort,” Mr Sinol said

Asked whether or not he expects accommodation prices to increase around this date, Mr Sinol said, “We have not received any complaints about price increases.”

The province has about 3,000 rooms, including hotels, guesthouses and resorts, according to the provincial tourism department.

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