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ADB Grants Aim to Boost Lao Tourism
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Laos signed grant agreements on October 16 worth $125.5 million in total for three projects in the tourism. “Vibrant, liveable cities and towns play an important role in the development of industry and services, particularly manufacturing, agro-business, and tourism”, said Yasushi Negishi, ADB country director for Laos. “The three grants demonstrate ADB’s commitment to help the Lao PDR (People’s Democratic Republic) sustainably manage urbanisation, tourism, and attract investments that create good jobs in a wide range of economic sectors, helping the country to be eligible to graduate from the least developed country status by 2020”, he said. The first of the grants comprises $47 million in funding to rehabilitate last-mile access roads to tourism destinations, improve tourism-related urban environmental services, and enhance sustainable tourism management in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak provinces. The project’s climate-resilient transport, urban infrastructure investments, and support for tourism capacity building are designed to boost tourism development and deepen the Lao government’s economic integration with its neighbours in the GMS and wider Asean region. The second grant consists of $48 million for the Fourth GMS Corridor Towns Development Project, approved in September. The funding will be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) to improve urban environmental services, including the construction of wastewater treatment plants and sewerage networks. The project will also address solid waste management and river embankments for flood protection in the towns of Pakxan and Thakhek. It will also support the preparation of town master plans with climate-resilience and gender-responsive measures for both areas to support growth and regional connectivity. Source: ADB, ANN
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Inthira Hotels Wins “Best Tourism Company in ASEAN”
The Inthira Group took top honours at the 2018 ASEAN Business Awards in Singaporeon 12 November, by bringing to Laos the ASEAN Best Tourism Company for the Priority Integration Sector. Inthy Deuansavanh receives the ASEAN Best Tourism Company Award Inthira Founder and CEO Inthy Deuansavanh received the award, which will help point the global spotlight on the hotel group, Lao tourism, and tourism investment opportunities in the country. Prime Minister of Malaysia His Excellency Tun Dr Mahatir Mohamad presented the award. “This award ceremony gave us the opportunity to connect with other businesses in ASEAN, and it motivated our team to elevate the Inthira Group to the next level in service quality and customer experience,” said Mr Deuansavanh. “This award is more than an achievement for the Inthira Group,” he said. “It is a real driving force for our team to reach for more on an international scale.” Mr Deuansavanh added, “Winning the Best Tourism Company in ASEAN will also help propel Laos onto the global stage, not only as a truly attractive destination, but also as a land of opportunities for investors and new partnerships.” To this end, Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena attended the awards ceremony, and visited the Inthira Group’s booth. The Inthira Group became the first Lao tourism business to win the ASEAN Business Awards Laos in September this year. The ASEAN Business Awards have been held by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) every year since 2007 and are a part of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS). The Inthira Group
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Passa Paa Adds Activities to Its Hmong Textile Studio
Passa Paa Boutique & Textile Studio in Luang Prabang recently added tourism activities to its collection that merges traditional Hmong motifs and methods with modern needs. Dressing Up in Traditional Hmong Attire New for this year are print and star-making classes and a free studio tour. Passa Paa also invites visitors to dress up in Hmong clothes for a photograph. Star Making Class During the artisan tour, the studio’s Hmong team describes the artisan process, and Passa Paa co-founder Pok Xiong, an ethnic Hmong, explains her culture. Visitors will meet the makers and learn about the colourful Hmong culture and its place in modern Lao society. “Here you will find Hmong artisans colourfully embellishing silk screen printed cloths,” said Passa Paa co-founder Heather Smith. “Passa Paa has a modern, creative and fun approach to traditional cultural preservation. Come visit our studio to learn more.” She added that the new “dress up” activity is a fun opportunity to try on traditional clothing and take pictures. “We have hats and skirts, jackets and belts,” said Ms Smith. “It’s a great way to spend 10 or more minutes.” She noted that Hmong textile design consists of batik and indigo, and showcases exemplary needle skills, both applique and stitch. Passa Paa’s Collection “Our collection plays with the traditional motifs. Working with print and stitch in leather, cotton, silk and hemp,” she said. “The collection comprises tote bags, clutches, purses, cushion covers, tea towels, placemats, scarves, handkerchiefs, and leather bowls.” Passa Paa Boutique & Textile Studio Passa Paa is located in the heart of Luang Prabang’s Old Town on the Peninsula, and offers a perfect stop on a walking or city tour. Visit Passa Paa
