Visit Lao PDR 2018

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith officially launched the “Visit Laos 2018” program, a national program focusing on tourism. The announcement was made to coincide with the annually organised That Luang Festival, as the event featured traditional rituals in a stupa, cultural performances, a fair and the presentation of traditional houses. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister hit the gong nine times, sending an “invitation” to future guests all over the world. The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara also gave a speech: “Over the past few years, the Government of Lao PDR has regarded tourism as a sector facilitating socio-economic development. Tourism gives rise to goods and services which ensure substantial foreign currency receipts for the national economy; also, there will be more job opportunities available for people working in the service and processing sectors, particularly for those engaged in arts and crafts and agriculture.” Income from tourism also improves the country’s balance of payments.

“Even though Laos has had opportunities to receive international visitors and to process the experiences of this, the country has yet to improve ease of access (easing the issue of visas) and more information needs to be provided to tourists in English”, says Stephen Morton, editor-in-chief of e-Global Travel Media. Critical issues include the development of infrastructure and services, including sites of tourist attraction and internet speed. The Government organised “Visit Laos” years twice, first in 1999-2000 and then 2011-2012, to attract more foreign tourists to roam the country. There were 737,208 registered visitors in 2000, generating USD 113,898,285 in profits. By 2015, this figure hiked to 4,684,429 visitors, resulting in an estimated income of USD 725,365,681. According to forecasts, the number of tourists visiting Laos will be close to 6,206,420 by 2020, and the associated income is estimated at USD 993,427,000.