-
✴︎
Vang Vieng: A New/Free Bridge Over the River Song
A new – and free – bridge crossing the Song River in Vang Vieng is now open, in response to complaints about the two-way toll for using the current, centrally located span to reach the area’s main attractions, while also alleviating peak-season traffic. The toll controversy targets the concessionaire, who built the structure and charges up to 10,000 kip (approx. USD 1.20) for two-way toll paid by pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes and larger vehicles, according to the Vientiane Times. The levy will end when the concession expires in 2023. Meanwhile, district officials built a new, toll-free bridge about 5 km upriver near the Vang Vieng Market, which opened in December at a cost of 7 billion kip. Construction began in August 2019 after Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith visited the town. Acting Governor of Vang Vieng District, Bounchan Malavong, said the district is also building a 6.8 billion kip-road from the bridge to tourist attractions. Source: Vientiane Times
-
✴︎
Accor commits to global elimination of single-use plastics by 2022
Accor today (23 January 2020) announced its commitment to join the UN Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and to remove all single-use plastic items in guest experience from its hotels by the end of 2022. Accor’s portfolio currently shows five properties in Laos, including Ibis Vientiane Nam Phu, and four in Luang Prabang: the Pullman, 3 Nagas (MGallery), Hotel Sofitel, and Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel by Angsana. Pullman Luang Prabang This action by Accor toward reducing environmental impacts and strengthening efforts to combat plastic pollution of the world’s oceans and other natural environments is a significant step forward for the global hospitality industry and for the group, which has been committed to sustainability for many years. Download the Press Release
-
✴︎
The Little Bags from The Little House
In Laos, girls from rural areas often have to leave school before the age of 15, with few career prospects. Four girls are now learning sewing and life-skills at The Little House, a project run by Laos Solidarity through Luang Prabang Library Outreach Programme. Just before Christmas, they were delighted to present John Williams at Luang Prabang View Hotel with 15 hand-sewn bags. These bags, one of the many initiatives to reduce the use of plastic bags in Luang Prabang, were made with fabric woven by a local Lao woman. John kindly presented the girls with more woven fabric to help them on their way to self-sufficiency. Visit Laos Solidarity on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaosSolidarity To visit their website, click here.
