Preah Dak Bids for Best Tourism Village
This photo shows aerial view of Preah Dak village. Photo: Saing Vathana
- By Isa Rohany
- June 24, 2024 4:15 PM
SIEM REAP – Having risen to fame among visitors in the country, Preah Dak village in Siem Reap province is aiming for international recognition after being nominated for a best tourism village award.
Preah Dak is among nine candidates representing Cambodia for the Best Tourism Village competition organized by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Saing Vathana, Banteay Srey district Deputy Governor, said that Preah Dak meets the award requirements for factors including its location in Angkor Park and near the city as a transit point for tourists before reaching Banteay Srei temple and Kulen Mountain.
Preah Dak village has ancient architectural and traditional Khmer style homes such as houses built high from the ground, planted flowers, people living together on the side of the road and rice fields behind the village, he said.
The official said that handicrafts, weaving and the respect for traditional beliefs are also parts of the conditions for contestants. A clean environment, proper management of garbage, and local food including palm cake and roast pork are signature characteristics of the village.
“We are hopeful because the documents we prepared are in accordance with the conditions for the assessment of the World Tourism Organization,” he said.
Huot Rithy, director of the clean city support service department at Tourism Ministry and deputy secretary general of the clean city committee, said other villages entering the competition were in Kampong Thom province’s Sambor Prei Kuk, Kampong Speu’s Khnong Phsar and Peam Krosorb in Koh Koh province.
This is the second time the Ministry of Tourism has helped villages in this competition. Rithy is hopeful that the Cambodian village will win this time.
UN Tourism said that over 260 villages from more than 60 countries have entered. The result is due in the last quarter of this year.
The evaluation will focus on cultural and natural resources, economic environmental and social sustainability, tourism development and value chain integration, infrastructure and connectivity, governance and prioritization of tourism and health, safety and security.
Torn Chanritheara contributed to the story.
