The Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce announced that it officially recognizes the Luang Prabang Tourism & Hospitality Rendezvous as a valid association.
The monthly “Rendezvous” has been attracting Luang Prabang tourism stakeholders for more than three years to discuss issues they collectively face, offer recommendations, and introduce initiatives and products of interest to the local travel trade.
Rendezvous Chairman Gary Tyson told the 35 participants at its 36th meeting that the group’s contributions to the community and local tourism industry, forward approach to organizing events, and cooperative efforts led to being recognized as a valid association.
“The (Rendezvous’) objective is to get our voice heard,” Mr Tyson said. “Members make suggestions, offer solutions, and voice complaints. People can hear what the group and individuals are working on, and can express their views on the city’s direction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
He added that being established as an official association enables the Rendezvous to move quickly on matters, and implement and assist in projects, without going through the government.
“Most important is we will have a voice and support within the National Assembly through the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNNCI) to support our initiatives and suggestions,” Mr Tyson said.
The Luang Prabang Tourism & Hospitality Rendezvous presents the topics under discussion to the Luang Prabang Chamber, which reports to the LNCCI and its President Oudet Souvannavong. The group meets on the last Thursday of each month at the Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Spa facilitated by ots General Manager Paul Burnett.
The 36th Luang Prabang Tourism & Hospitality Rendezvous
Presentations
Khun Chin: GM of Sofitel Luang Prabang
Khun Chin, who attended ATF in January, discussed why arrivals from some destinations are down, while the Chinese and Korean markets show gains. He stressed that Chinese traffic would steadily rise once the railroad is complete. He invited attendees to contact him for more information.
Khun Chin also suggested hoteliers support the community by upselling packages in-house to various attractions. He also pointed out that on 10-12 March, the Heang Chan Heritage House will be showcasing Handmade in Luang Prabang crafts, fresh produce, and precooked items, and invited the community to present their products.
Email: H9669-gm@sofitel.com
Mr Somboun & John Williams: Visit Laos Year 2018 Update & Folk Song Festival
Mr Williams reviewed Visit Laos Year 2018 activities in Luang Prabang to date, and discussed the upcoming Luang Prabang Folk Song Competition at the Cultural Office. He said 20 tables were available for LAK 80,000 to display local products. He added that a separate email with details of the 17 March, event would be forthcoming.
Mr. Somboun from the Cultural Office, and who is organizing the folk song competition, offered more details, while soliciting sponsorship or donations. He said the action plan, similar to a FAM trip set up, would take place at the Cultural Office grounds, with a free market garden for all local producers.
Email: john@lpbview.com, troymatusow@gmail.com
Chittakone Sengdavong & Fumitoshi Mukai: Creating Biogas for Luang Prabang
The pair, representing the Hitachi Zosen Corporation’s initiative to create bio-gas, revealed that Luang Prabang has an ample supply of waste. They estimate the city’s 85 hotels and 400 guesthouses generate 200-500 kg of usable wet waste per day, and this does not include restaurants. Attendees voiced their eagerness to support this project.
Email: CHITTAKONE@INVISORGRP.COM, Mukai-f@hitachizosen.co.jp
Prof. Dr Alphonse Pluquailec: Sante France Laos – Centre cardio – Vasculaire
Dr Alphonse Pluquailec, a cardiovascular doctor, presented Sante France Laos, which has operated in the country for 25 years. In 2017, the organization sent 10 infants, who suffered from oxygen deficiency at birth, to France for treatment. He said 2018 plans call for sending 15 hill tribe children for medical care. It costs €20,000 to sponsor a child for flights and surgery.
Email: sante.france.laos@wanadoo.fr.
Tel: (+856) 202 220 9457
Lucie Arnaud: Luang Prabang Deaf & Mute Community Handicrafts
Ms Arnaud introduced the deaf and mute community and school she is supporting, along with their handicraft shop, which she aims to make self-sufficient. She asked for hotels’ support by placing the shop’s information and cards on their activity desks, and to consider employing the students, who are prepared to enter the workforce.
Email: lucie@arnaud93@gmail.com
Tel: 0209 513 4648
Nicholas Toomey & Roberto Freschi: MEG Product Supplies & Anticaluna Italian Dairy
Mr Toomey updated the attendees on MEG’s products before introducing Mr Freschi from Anticaluna Italian Dairy products. After the meeting, he offered samples of their high-quality mozzarella with truffle paste.
Email: nicholas.toomey@megcoltd.com, roberto@anticaluna.net
Round Table
Night Market Move?
Gilles Vautrin from L’Eléphant Restaurant said there were talks underway about moving the Night Market down the main street, though some objections have been voiced. A letter has been sent to the National Assembly protesting this move. There is little information on the proposed move, though there had been discussions about moving the market during Visit Laos Year 2018’s Green Season commencing in May or June. One participant noted that cooking should be at the original area for fire and safety measures.
Hong Kong Express Flights
Work continues on opening Luang Prabang’s skies to Hong Kong Express. The Luang Prabang Tourism & Hospitality Rendezvous is waiting for the airline to provide information on the value they brought to the UNESCO city of Hoi An, Vietnam, to give an indication on revenue lost compared to revenue projections if the direct flights are opened.
