VIENTIANE: Tourism in Laos has rebounded, with more than 2.3 million foreign visitors coming to the country in the first seven months of this year, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the same period last year, generating more than US$700 million in revenue.
Meanwhile, the number of Lao tourists exceeded two million people, an increase of 78 per cent, generating more than US$332 million in revenue, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Darany Phommavongsa told attendees at the start of a national tour guide training course in Vientiane on Monday (Sept 9).
The course is taking place from Sept 9 to Nov 29 and has 89 participants, of whom 44 can speak English, 36 speak Thai, 10 speak in Chinese, seven can use Korean, five speak French, four are familiar with the Vietnamese language, and one speaks Spanish.
The course aims to produce a cohort of tour guides equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills and able to demonstrate respect for Laos’ culture and the country’s many attractions, both historical and religious.
Tour guides will also receive training in ethical standards and be taught how to satisfactorily lead groups of people to various places and provide them with a high level of service.
Darany said tourism is on an upward trend this year and is making a steady recovery after the Covid pandemic.
Tourism-related businesses have gained confidence in the stability of the tourism industry and are accelerating the expansion of new markets, focusing on green tourism and greater participation by local people.
However, more qualified personnel must be provided to support the growth of tourism and address the shortage of skilled workers in this field, especially tour guides.
The training course aims to teach participants about the special attributes needed to provide an acceptable standard of service so that visitors have a good experience, are impressed, and want to return to Laos, Darany said.
In a bid to bolster tourist numbers during Visit Laos Year 2024, the government has approved visa-free entry for tourists from certain countries and has increased the number of days that they can remain in Laos, with the new rules to be in force from July 1 to Dec 31. - Vientiane Times/ANN
