HM Queen Nanasipau’u awarded cash prizes to winners in round two of a Tourism Village Clean Up Competition in Nuku’alofa on Friday, 24 April.

The Queen said she was happy to join in marking this important work aimed at developing tourism, while preparing for the King’s upcoming Coronation. She thanked village and women groups that participated, and noted that the tourism industry provides for people’s livelihoods and brings revenue for Tonga.

The Queen encouraged the people of Tonga to continue this work and not end the clean-up efforts after this program.

The competition was divided in two categories of large and small villages for the Kolofo’ou, Kolomotu’a, Eastern, Central and Western Districts, as well as a Beach category, with other consolation prizes.

First, second and third in each category received cash prizes provided by the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour.

The competition began in December 2014 and ran until April with weekly and monthly inspections by a committee comprising of government Ministries including Environment, Health, Tourism and the Waste Management.

Winners were determined on the cleanest villages, homes, garden among other factors.

The third round of competition will run from May to June this year.