VIENTIANE: Champassak province authorities have awarded concessions and signed other agreements with business operators on the development of tourist attractions, agriculture, and electricity generation.
The deals were inked as part of efforts to boost investment, trade and tourism in Champassak.
The agreements were signed during an investment, trade and tourism meeting held on the sidelines of the Vat Phou festival in Champassak province last week.
Investment licences were given to several companies, demonstrating provincial leaders’ policy to attract more investment in the province.
One company was awarded a concession to develop the area surrounding Tad Pha Suam waterfall to maximise the potential of the site and benefit nearby communities.
The company is now preparing a business plan and will provide an update on progress in the near future.
Champassak has numerous attractions, such as Khonphapheng, Tad Fan and Tad Yeuang waterfalls, while visitors can enjoy activities ranging from treks and ziplining to rest and recuperation in the lap of nature.
The Bolaven Plateau is a particular must-see, as this is the primary location for the cultivation of Laos’ famed coffee and there are many opportunities to sample a cup or two.
Last year, Champassak authorities gave the go-ahead to a developer to build visitor facilities at Tad Xae waterfall in the hope of attracting more tourists. The waterfall is located in Huaxae village, Bachiengchalernsouk district.
The concession authorises the developer to build the Tad Xae Waterfall Park on a 14-hectare site.
This year, Champassak authorities hope to attract thousands more tourists, aiming to earn more revenue.
The government has set a nationwide foreign tourist target figure of 4.3 million this year, which was cited by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism at a meeting to summarise the ministry’s successes in 2024 and outline plans for 2025.
The plans for tourism development will be bolstered by new decrees relating to tourist attractions, a tourism marketing council, tourism districts, entertainment, and tourist safety.
In addition, the ministry will strengthen agreements with hotels, restaurants, tour guide companies, and health-related businesses in a further bid to promote tourism. - Vientiane Times/ANN
