VIENTIANE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Recognizing the tourism sector's significant contributions to socio-economic growth, Laos is ramping up efforts to promote sustainable tourism, focusing on environmental preservation and cultural heritage, while continually enhancing the quality of its tourism industry.
Tourism in Laos has immense potential, thanks to its rich natural beauty. The tourism sector saw strong growth in 2024, with 4.1 million foreign visitors generating 1 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. Domestic tourism also thrived, with 3.3 million Lao travelers spending 540 million dollars within the country.
Pardthana, a resident of northern Laos' Luang Prabang province, expressed concern over poor road conditions that hinder access to local tourist sites. Despite the area's rich natural and cultural appeal, inadequate infrastructure makes travel difficult for visitors.
She believes that improving roads and promoting sustainable tourism will help attract more tourists while preserving the country's heritage.
"I hope the government will continue to enhance infrastructure and service quality, while also raising tourism standards and protecting our natural and cultural assets," Pardthana told Xinhua.
Authorities in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province are working to enhance tourism quality with the goal of transforming the province into a high-quality, modern destination and securing the prestigious Tourism Destination Award from the Green Destinations Organization.
By achieving the Green Destinations certification, Luang Prabang aims to enhance its global reputation as a culturally rich and sustainable tourism hub, in line with its long-term development goals.
Namthip, a frequent traveler to Vangvieng and Meuangfeuang in Vientiane province, describes the region's mountains and rivers as a peaceful escape from the stresses of work. She praised Laos' natural beauty and believes the country has strong potential to attract more tourists, thanks to its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
"We have so much natural beauty that can attract people from all over the world, but we need to take good care of it. Everyone should travel responsibly to ensure that our natural resources and delicate ecosystems are preserved -- not just for today, but for generations to come," said Namthip.
The Lao government is advancing a master plan to develop and manage the national tourism zone in Vangvieng, a popular destination in Vientiane province, with the goal of boosting tourism and attracting more visitors. The plan emphasizes integrated urban and tourism development, sustainable land use, and the preservation of Vangvieng's natural and cultural heritage.
Chanphet, a resident of southern Laos' Savannakhet province, emphasized the importance of having a skilled and sufficient tour guide workforce to improve visitor experiences and encourage repeat tourism. He highlighted that well-trained guides not only provide high-quality service but also play a crucial role in educating tourists on responsible travel, helping to protect Laos' natural environment and preserve its tourist attractions.
Laos aims to attract 4.3 million international tourists in 2025, with expectations to generate over 1 billion U.S. dollars in revenue.
To further establish Laos as a top tourist destination, the government will continue utilizing media campaigns to provide accurate and timely tourism information. In addition, it plans to collaborate with the private sector to organize major events aimed at boosting the country's international profile. ■
