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“We use ‘Ethical’ a lot in our practices because I feel tourism is all about people,” said Rachel Dechaineux, owner of the riverside Silver Naga hotel in Vang Vieng.

Some may struggle with the costs of sustainable practices, but former Luang Prabang View Hotel General Manager John Williams sees going green as a way of life...while saving greenbacks.

How does IHG implement its strict Green Engage global guidelines in Laos? “It’s hard work to get to where we want to go,” said Crowne Plaza Vientiane General Manager Patria Puyat, “but it can be done.”

Laos’ annual tourism report began making the rounds last week, confirming the disastrous year. Some analysts would conclude that once the borders reopen, the country’s tourism would be starting at Year 1. Others may want to play “What if”, but that seems to be a fool’s errand. Predictions for 2021 are certainly premature. Still, a review of the facts seems worthwhile, though there are no solid conclusions to draw.

The Tourism Development Department (TDD), Ministry of Information,The Culture and Tourism publishes annually tourism statistics relating to tourist arrivals, foreign exchange earnings from tourism, tourist expenditures, the average length of stay of tourists in Laos as well as tourist profiles, accommodation establishments and occupancy rates. The purpose of this Statistical Report on Tourism is to provide the public with clear information on a important sector of the Lao economy.

Synergy Insights Consulting has prepared a Tourism Recovery Roadmap that covers 1) Assignment Objectives, 2) Tourism in Lao PDR: 2019-2020, 3) Pandemic Related Challenges for the Tourism Sector 4) Strategy Considerations for Lao PDR, and 5) Proposed Priorities and Actions for Recovery. The detailed draft that presents detail of the recovery plan to include: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic; Approaches and Interventions; Current Challenges, Emerging Trends and Recovery Influencers; Recommendations for Recovery Priorities and Actions; and Phases, Actions, an Accountabilities.

This extensive report provides some insight into how the Lao-China railway will effect Lao tourism, among other sectors. Of note is Chapter 2.2 (pages 33-37) “Understanding Passenger Demand” that forecasts tourism traffic through 2030, along with discussing the railway’s potential and challenges for Lao destinations, especially Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Chapter 3.3 (pages 46-47) “Facilitating Access to Tourism Areas” mostly zeroes in on Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

The resources here are a guide for a managed discussion with Destination Managers and the trade and will need to be adapted for each destination. This will include gaining access to and using data to guide the discussion, as well as past and current destination marketing materials and case studies, as listed in the Facilitator Guide.

PATA’s Crisis Resource Center has published a toolbox to guide the private sector travel businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic. These guides dive into pertinent topics including Communication Strategies, Covid-19 Signage Kit, Crisis Communications Planner, and Hospitality, SME, and Tour Operator Recovery Kits.

This information is designed to provide accommodation providers in order to assist them with making decisions about how to implement science-based virus protection measures in a way that puts the and safety of people first, yet minimizes unnecessary environmental impacts. It also contains suggestions about how to support staff and the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic, and where to download valuable information.