What should be done to ensure the safety of tourists during the Covid pandemic?

The government is considering easing Covid-19 restrictions in relation to the return of foreign visitors to Laos, after foreigners were banned from entering the country in 2020. Tourists are now allowed to visit government-designated “green travel zones”, but in strict compliance with virus control measures. Vientiane Times asked for opinions about how Laos might tempt travellers to return.

 

Ms Lounphone, a resident of Naxaithong district, Vientiane: Laos is a fascinating country and I don’t think it will be difficult to persuade foreign tourists to return. And now we have a railway, which makes it easier for people to get around. But we need to have good plans in place and be well prepared for visitors. Of course, during the pandemic we must consider both the safely of local people and visitors. I also think the government should lower prices as this would make travel here a more attractive prospect. People have complained about the high price of services and entrance fees at tourist sites, which I think is the main reason why some people are disinclined to travel.
 
Ms Bounma Buathong, a government official in Luang Prabang province: The pandemic has affected all aspects of life, especially the economy. Many people are now unemployed and many businesses have closed. However, it would be good if we can allow vaccinated tourists to return under the Lao Travel Green Zone scheme as this would help to revive tourism and enable many people to return to work. But there are some deterrents to tourism that need to be addressed, such as some rather badly organised and poorly maintained tourist sites. But most importantly, everyone should do what they can to ensure the number of Covid cases falls to zero as soon as possible, as this would definitely encourage more people to come to Laos.
 
Ms Nom Souliyatham, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: Laos is full of interesting places and new attractions are being developed, but one thing that does need attention is road access to tourist attractions, because many are in bad condition. We have many areas 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 services. I think a lot of people are interested in coming to Laos but may be put off by stories of the inconveniences here.
 
Mr Bounphan, a resident of Vientiane: It’s good that the government is considering ways to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak and revive tourism. I think the price of accommodation, food and services should be reduced in order to attract tourists, and new attractions should be widely advertised so that people know what’s out there. Most importantly, all aspects of service should be improved to ensure convenience and safety for both visitors and service providers.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest UpdateJanuary 25, 2022)