The majestic Tad Loc waterfall in Saravan province. - Noy Saylakham
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): Provincial authorities across the country are preparing programmes of activities to be rolled out during Visit Laos Year 2024, so that tour companies can create package tours based on the range of offerings.
The planned events were summarised at a meeting held in Vientiane last week to report on the progress of preparations for Visit Laos Year 2024, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket said all provinces have sent lists of planned events and activities to the ministry, which has forwarded them to tour companies.
Meanwhile, the ministry is preparing a logo and slogan for Visit Laos Year 2024, in cooperation with tour companies and airlines.
In addition, the ministry is holding regular meetings with government officials and tour operators across the country to share ideas on ways to make Visit Laos Year 2024 a success, Suanesavanh said.
The ministry is also partnering with tour companies and airlines to draw up a list of suitable activities for tourists, with the final selections to be made in July and August.
In September and October, the national steering committee will meet to consider the proposed events and draw up a budget, which will be submitted to the government for approval.
A Visit Laos Year 2024 calendar will be produced, as well as videos and souvenirs, and the campaign will be advertised in media outlets and on websites, Suanesavanh said.
In November and December, the ministry will hold a press conference and the opening ceremony of Visit Laos Year 2024, as well as advertise the planned activities, she added.
Meeting participants shared their ideas about tourism services, the entry and exit procedures for foreign visitors, and the production of souvenirs, and also discussed safety measures for visitors.
The government has organised previous promotional campaigns to attract tourists, including two Visit Laos Years, Visit Laos-China Year and Lao Thiao Laos, which drew many visitors.
During Visit Laos Year 2018 visitor arrivals topped 4.1 million, up 8.2 per cent compared to 2017.
During Visit Laos-China Year 2019, Laos welcomed 4.58 million international visitors, representing an increase of 9 percent over 2018.
