Laos pilots health, hygiene programme in tourism and hospitality sector

VIENTIANE, Dec 26 (Bernama): To prepare for tourism reopening from Jan 1 next year, Laos is piloting a health and hygiene programme called LaoSafe in the tourism and hospitality sector in Vientiane capital, reported Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

This project is carried out by the country’s Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism with support from the Luxembourg and Swiss governments.

LaoSafe comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including accommodation providers, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides, and drivers.

After businesses in Vientiane receive training and become qualified, those in Luang Prabang province will be the next to benefit from the LaoSafe programme.

Assessment and certification will begin in January, with a focus on "green” tourism zones, including Vientiane capital, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng town.

The Lao Ministry of Health reported on Saturday(Dec 25) that the country saw 1,007 new COVID-19 cases and 12 related deaths in 24 hours. Vientiane capital recorded the most, with 500 cases. The total number of Covid-19 infections in the country now stands at 105,380, including 317 deaths. - Bernama