A passenger walks in the waiting hall of Vientiane Station of the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos, Jan. 26, 2024. (Photo by Yang Yongquan/Xinhua)
VIENTIANE, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government and tourism-related businesses are making all efforts to raise its tourism standards to increase visitor arrivals.
At a meeting held here on Tuesday to report Laos' Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism's 2023 annual work summary and plan for 2024, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune advised the public and private sectors to form closer links to improve tourist attractions, visitor facilities, and services at hotels and restaurants.
Improvements should be made to ensure quality services and develop activities and diversified tourism products that relate to the country's many ethnic groups, as well as develop agritourism, he said.
Over the past year, the ministry has made significant progress including the development, management and promotion of natural, historical, cultural and agricultural tourism by creating and rehabilitating infrastructure and tourism facilities, so they meet ASEAN standards and are more closely integrated with regional standards and facilities, said Kikeo.
Lao tourism-related businesses received 52 ASEAN Tourism Standard awards at a ceremony held here on Tuesday, following a region-wide assessment of facilities' compliance with ASEAN tourism standards.
Laos also received 20 ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, which took place in Lao capital Vientiane from Jan. 22 to 27.
On Jan. 25-26, Lao government officials and business representatives gathered here for the ASEAN Tourism Seminar to discuss ways to promote and develop tourism. The seminar opened a platform for academics and tourism experts from all over the world to exchange new ideas in the cooperation and development of tourism in the region and internationally.
The two-day seminar focused on the sustainability of tourism development, the use of online social media to advertise tourism, and the use of the potential of adventure tourism to promote sustainable tourism.
Laos is an intriguing destination for foreign visitors keen to explore the country's scenic attractions and observe local lifestyles and traditions.
The government is increasingly emphasizing the country's potential as a nature-based tourist destination. There are also colorful traditions to be observed among Laos' many ethnic groups, while ancient temples and historical sites are another drawcard.
In a bid to bring more tourists to Laos, the government has launched the Visit Laos Year 2024 program, opening up the country to visitors from around the world in the hope that more people will discover the wonders of Laos.
Laos' Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism is hoping that more than 6 million Lao and foreign tourists will travel in Laos in 2024.■
