Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Spa in Luang Prabang attended last week’s LAOFOOD ’18 in Vientiane, and offers interesting insight into the exhibition and culinary/hospitality competitions.
The hotel’s General Manager Paul Burnett said, “The organisers did a pretty good job in attempting an event of this type for the first time. I’ve been to similar expos in Bangkok and this one was possibly better in some ways.”
He added that Luang Prabang might be a good destination for hosting a future event of this type. “It would be great to see this event shared around Laos. Luang Prabang is the jewel of the tourism industry in Laos. There are hundreds of restaurants and hotels that could be involved in the various contests, if they took place closer to home. And, exhibitors would have a large client base to attract in the north.”
Sanakeo’s Chef Chan commented that the final dishes in the food contests were of a high quality. He said that he looks forward to next years’ event where he will consider entering.
He echoed Mr Burnett’s comments about having the event in Luang Prabang, and both suggested that the number of exhibitors would have been more if the cost of the booths were reduced.
Nevertheless, they said attending was valuable to see some of the latest products and services available, and network with fellow industry stakeholders.
