Laos is an intriguing destination for foreign visitors keen to explore the country's scenic attractions and observe local lifestyles and traditions. - VT
VIENTIANE: The annual Asean Tourism Forum 2024, which will be convened in the Lao capital Vientiane on Jan 22-27, is viewed as a golden opportunity for Laos to advertise the country's many exciting tourist destinations to a huge international audience.
This year's forum, themed as "Quality and Responsible Tourism -- Sustaining Asean Future," will include a tourism exhibition, and serves to spur tourism and service improvement in associated businesses.
Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department under the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Khom Douangchantha has said a lot of progress had been made in preparing for the forum.
He said that the event will provide a good opportunity for Lao tourism operators to have direct access to their target markets and to buy and sell tourism products through direct links.
Khom added that the ministry is concentrating on improving tourism products and key tourism activities and festivals are listed in the Lao event tourism calendar which will make it easier for tour companies to bring tourists to experience the amazing natural environment and culture of Laos.
Laos previously hosted such an event in 2004 and 2013, which helped promote the country's many tourist attractions and bring more international tourists to Laos.
The forum will enable associated businesses to improve their services and build up their business network with foreign counterparts.
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 emphasising the country's potential as a nature-based tourist destination.
There are also colorful traditions to be observed among Laos' many ethnic groups, while old temples and historical sites are another drawcards.
The Lao government expects to attract at least 2.7 million foreign tourists in 2024, generating about 401 million U.S. dollars in revenue, while in 2025 tourist arrivals are forecast to reach 2.9 million, generating an income of 434 million dollars.
More than 2.4 million foreigners visited the South-East Asian country in the first nine months of 2023, an increase of 285 per cent year on year.
The Lao government has made tourism a top priority in efforts to revitalize the economy. - Xinhua
