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Tourism is Linchpin in Laos’ Green Growth Strategy
Adapted from Vientiane Times article by Ekaphone Phouthonesy The Lao government is pointing to tourism as the key to driving the country’s commitment to the National Green Growth Strategy. The 2030 strategy, which was unveiled earlier this month, provides a pathway for the mainstreaming of environmentally-friendly policies into the programmes of all government departments and sectors. Among these, tourism has been listed as a pivotal sector in leading the green and sustainable development of the country in the coming years. According to Vientiane Time, development in the tourism sector necessarily means protecting and conserving the natural, historical and cultural sights that draw visitors here. Endorsed by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on January 31, the strategy makes reference to Laos’ abundant waterfalls, forests, caves, and temples as well as the country’s fine traditions and harmonious way of life. Alongside conservation measures, the government must improve infrastructure and services around key tourist attractions, the report said. This includes better roads and transport options, and higher standards in hotel and restaurant services. Tourism-related businesses will also be encouraged to efficiently consume energy and to use environmentally-friendly products whenever possible. The efforts of tourism businesses will make a significant contribution to the protection of natural resources and the environment, the strategy says. Other key measures to ensure sustainable green growth include the government committing to the equitable distribution of profit and incomes in the tourism industry. This will ensure local communities get just rewards from the benefits that development of the sector brings. Strategy makers believe that nature and culture-based tourism development will help to protect the country’s natural resources and say it will also generate increased revenue due to the increasing number of people who will come to see the nation’s treasures. According to a report from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Laos has 2,237 officially designated tourist sites, of which only 366 sites have any visitor facilities. Many opportunities exist for local and foreign entrepreneurs wanting to invest in an area with such potential for growth.
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Lao Event Update: March 2019
The Na Kai Festival is being held in Nakai District, Khammouane on 29-30 March to promote sustainable community-based tourism in the province. The festival will focus on the area’s lifestyle, and will present musical performances and free camping. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook Page. The Savannakhet Trail 2019 marathon will be run on 31 March, with the starting line at That Ing Hang Stupa. There will be 5, 10, and 30-km runs for different age groups. For more information, click here.
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Laos Lowers Chinese Visa Fees
Laos has lowered the visa fees for Chinese tourists from USD14 to USD10 to make it easier for them to travel to the country, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Dr Bosengkham Vongdara said at a recent tourism promotion meeting in Shanghai. Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Dr Bosengkham Vongdara Dr Bosengkham added that the Lao government is printing tourism brochures in Chinese and adding Chinese language to signs at tourist attractions. Lao Airlines has boosted flights to China over the past couple of years, as has Chinese airlines, including China Eastern, China Southern, Sichuan Airline and Hainan Airlines. According to the Vientiane Times, Lao Airlines recently began operating three flights a week from Vientiane to Shanghai, though their internet site does not yet show the route. Chinese officials said Laos has a good climate, beautiful scenery, and is peaceful. They added the country is a “paradise” for Chinese visitors seeking adventure, and is unique in Southeast Asia, which appeals to the Chinese. According to statistics from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, China accounted for more than 800,000 tourists in 2018, an increase of 26% over the previous year. Source: Vientiane Times
