Visitors from within the country and abroad using the Laos-China Railway to travel to northern provinces, which feature many interesting tourist sites. - VT
VIENTIANE: More than 5 million Lao and foreign tourists have vacationed in Laos so far this year, with the number of Lao tourists surpassing the target figure by 27 per cent, while revenue exceeded US$1 billion, the Prime Minister informed the National Assembly on Monday (Nov 18).
Speaking on the opening day of the 8th Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said that in 2025 the government will do more to promote tourism by targeting specific groups and working closely with all sectors of society, especially aiming to strengthen links between the government and private sectors.
Tourism has boomed this year during the Visit Laos Year 2024 promotion and more people are making use of the Laos-China Railway, according to a government official who asked not to be named.
The railway is a very popular means of travel and passes through Vangvieng, Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces, which have many places of interest to tourists, including adventure activities.
The Prime Minister said the government aims to improve tourist attractions, roads, and other tourist amenities as well as modernising the management of the tourism industry.
Under the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign, tourism authorities and operators improved services at hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, and added more facilities at tourist sites, to provide a better and more interesting visitor experience.
Laos’ tourist attractions have been hailed in foreign newspapers and magazines, and more people are now aware of what the country has to offer, as well as its affordable prices.
This year, Luang Prabang city won an award in a category titled 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, in recognition of its efforts to ensure responsible tourism and maintain its distinctive appeal.
Laos is one of 32 countries on the Green Destinations 2024 Top 100 Stories list, which was unveiled on Oct 15.
The certificate presentation ceremony will take place in Chile from Dec 10-12.
Luang Prabang is the first and only destination in Laos to be selected as one of the 2024 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories under the theme “Preservation of architectural housing styles in a world heritage area”, according to the Luang Prabang Information, Culture and Tourism Department.
Laos’ special attractions have been cited in numerous foreign publications and websites, with river trips through the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park in Huaphan province listed among the world’s top 10 best night safaris in an article posted on the Condé Nast Traveler website in February 2023. - Vientiane Times/ANN
