VIENTIANE: A new visitor experience is under consideration in Vientiane to encourage people to stay longer and spend more locally, engaging them more closely with the city’s culture, peaceful character and local way of life.
The concept was developed by the Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) consultants, following seven months of study based on information gathered from various sectors.
Director General of the Tourism Development Department, Phonemaly Inthaphome, told the Vientiane Times that most of the tourism products included in the proposed routes already exist.
The new approach would bring these existing products together into organised tourism routes, with relevant authorities and stakeholders discussing how they could be further improved.
She said the main objective was to help government agencies, businesses and local communities develop a common understanding of Vientiane’s tourism identity, particularly its peaceful character, which is part of the city’s attraction.
The concept is based on “Slow Tourism & Cultural Heritage”, with proposed routes covering spiritual and national heritage sites, the Mekong area, creative and living culture, as well as attractions and activities in Sangthong, Hadxaifong and Pakngum districts.
Phonemaly said the existing tourism products were already marketed, while the department had proposed additional activities, particularly in the evening, as Vientiane currently has limited activities to attract tourists at night.
One proposal is to introduce light shows at the Patuxay monument to encourage visitors to visit the site in the evening. If such activities are included in tour programmes, visitors who want to see the shows may choose to stay an additional night, creating more opportunities for them to shop and spend money in the capital.
Cultural and acrobatic performances were also suggested as possible evening activities. If introduced, tour companies could include them in their programmes to give visitors more reasons to stay longer.
Another proposal is the Vientiane City Pass, which would allow visitors to use a single ticket to enter several attractions. Phonemaly said the idea is still being studied, with lessons being drawn from the systems employed at Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Hoi An in Vietnam.
The concept also includes other suggested services, such as installing more signs to popular attractions, compiling historical stories, providing information through QR codes, and developing audio guides in foreign languages.
Other proposed measures include the introduction of the Vientiane City Passport, reduced use of plastic bags, respectful behaviour at temples and improvements to the services provided by tour guides. - Vientiane Times/ANN
