VIENTIANE, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government is advancing a master plan to develop and manage the national tourism zone in Vangvieng, a tourism town in Vientiane province, with the goal of boosting tourism and attracting more visitors.
The dissemination conference for the 2025-2035 National Tourism Zone Development and Management Master Plan for Vangvieng district and surrounding areas was held on Wednesday, with attendance from representatives of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and related sectors, Lao National Radio reported on Thursday.
The conference served as a platform to present the details of the master plan to stakeholders at both the national and local levels. It aims to promote coordinated implementation and encourage all parties to align their efforts with the shared vision for a sustainable tourism future in Vangvieng.
Speaking at the meeting, Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket emphasized the government's strong commitment to tourism as a key driver of socio-economic development.
She noted that the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Lao government have prioritized the tourism sector as a means to stimulate economic growth by harnessing the country's rich tourism potential.
The master plan emphasizes integrated urban and tourism development, sustainable land use, and the protection of Vangvieng's natural and cultural heritage. It provides a strategic framework for guiding infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and investment planning over the next decade.
Vangvieng is one of Laos' most iconic tourism destinations, known for its pristine natural beauty, vibrant rivers, limestone mountains, welcoming communities, and diverse eco-tourism and adventure activities.
In 2024, Vangvieng attracted 1,460,159 tourists, including 777,698 domestic visitors. ■
