VIENTIANE: Khammuan authorities plan to attract more tourists this year by improving visitor attractions and services, creating new tourism products, and easing various travel procedures.
Speaking to a group of reporters from Laos and Thailand last weekend, Deputy Head of Khammuan Provincial Information, Culture and Tourism, Somsackda Keomany, said provincial authorities will partner with tourism-related businesses to develop more interesting activities for tourists.
“We will restore existing tourist attractions, develop new ones, improve facilities, and ensure the overall quality and safety of the activities and services we offer,” he said.
“We will also modernise the tourism revenue collection system to ensure transparency and will address other issues in the hope of attracting more visitors.”
In a bid to bring more tourists to Khammuan, the government and individuals are creating a more diverse range of activities, with ziplines, rock climbing, camping, homestays, kayaking and hiking now on offer.
In the past, provincial authorities have organised boxing, football and cycling events involving competitors from Laos and Thailand, as well as other activities.
Khammuan province is home to numerous natural wonders, especially the many limestone caves that are secreted within its rocky outcrops.
Sites such as Kamphaengyak, also known as the Giant Wall, and the Sangsou and Nam Sanam waterfalls, should also be on travellers’ itineraries.
At Phou Phamarn hill, there are zip-lines for the adventurous, a canopy walkway through the trees, and hikes led by guides through forested areas.
Visitors can also buy locally-made goods such as rice baskets made from woven bamboo, as well as clothing and other items made from naturally dyed cotton.
Last year was a bumper year for tourism in Khammuan, with more than 800,000 tourists sampling the province’s scenic and cultural delights, generating revenue of 1,000 billion kip. - Vientiane Times/ANN
