What should be done to attract more visitors to Laos?
From January to September this year, Laos received just over 644,000 foreign visitors, mainly from Thailand and Vietnam. This is well on the way to meeting the government’s target of 900,000 foreign visitors for the whole of 2022, with estimated revenue generation of about US$218 million. Vientiane Times asked for opinions on how Laos could attract more travellers.
Mr Non Tongbounchan, a resident of Luang Prabang province: I don’t think it will be easy to revive tourism following the pandemic as there are many factors that are obstacles to the development and improvement of facilities and services. There are deterrents, such as high prices, and unkempt and badly organised tourist sites that have few facilities. But if we can improve things and do more to encourage tourists and make them feel welcome, I’m sure we will see them back here in large numbers.
Ms Sonenaly, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: Laos is charming and beautiful and there are many places that are being improved to attract visitors. One of the areas that I think needs most attention is road access to tourist sites because many are in bad condition. We have many places of natural beauty but they aren’t easily accessible. In other places, road access is good, but the concessionaires that run the sites charge high entrance fees as well as requiring payment for various additional services. I think a lot of people are interested in visiting Laos but may be put off by stories of the inconveniences here. I advise the government to improve infrastructure and transport services to tourist sites.
Ms Katay Lathsasikham, a resident of Hadxaifong district, Vientiane: There are many beautiful places here and I don’t think it will be difficult to persuade foreign tourists to return. But I think the tourism sector needs to strengthen publicity and upgrade tourism products. In addition, tourist sites should be developed in ways that preserve their special characteristics and are environmentally friendly. Visitors come here because they want to experience something different from the normal routine of their own lives. Tourism is a major pillar of the government’s social and economic development plans, due to its potential to generate a large amount of revenue for local communities. This means the government must seriously promote the country’s tourism services both within the region and further afield.
Ms Dorry Siamphone, an employee in Vientiane province: Laos is a beautiful country and has a fascinating lifestyle and traditions. People smile readily and are welcoming. I think that if we can preserve these traditions while also improving services, it won’t be difficult to attract more people to Laos. But from what I see, a lot of Lao people don’t have the right attitude to tourists and charge unreasonably high prices, which doesn’t give Laos a good reputation. It would be better if we treated visitors with more fairness and didn’t act unscrupulously.
Ms Darany Phommavongsa, a government official in the tourism sector: There are several challenges to overcome, mainly in relation to immigration procedures at border crossings, transport, accommodation, and the provision of food. However, the government plans to create a streamlined tourism industry in ways that comply with green and sustainable development targets. There will also be an emphasis on justice within the tourism sector through the application of laws in relation to the country’s social and economic development priorities.
By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update October 25, 2022) |
