VIENTIANE: The government aims to generate more than US$8 billion in tourism revenue over the next five years, seeking to turn rising visitor numbers into greater economic returns by addressing weaknesses in infrastructure, skills and the business environment.
The issue was discussed at a meeting held on Tuesday (Nov 3) to discuss the Laos Rapid Tourism Diagnostic Report, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Darany Phommavongsa and World Bank Group Country Manager for Laos Khwima Nthara.
Attendees included government officials and other stakeholders, who reviewed the findings of a tourism assessment report and discussed ways to strengthen the sector under the Tourism Development Plan for 2026-2030.
Darany said more than 3.2 million foreign tourists visited Laos from January to August this year, an increase of seven per cent compared with the same period last year.
But despite the growth in visitor numbers, the economic value generated by tourism remains below the country’s potential and that of neighbouring countries, with average tourist spending and length of stay still relatively low.
The assessment identified limited infrastructure, a shortage of skilled workers and an unfavourable business environment as major obstacles to growth, saying these areas require urgent attention.
Tourism is one of Laos’ biggest income generators, contributing to foreign exchange earnings, job creation and the development of related industries, while also supporting the conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage.
The tourism development plan for 2026-2030 sets out five goals, namely infrastructure development, safety management, targeted promotion, human resource development, and stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is also targeting 22 million Lao and foreign tourists and tourism revenue of at least US$8 billion over the five-year period.
During the meeting, officials stressed the need to translate the plan’s priorities into concrete work programmes, with particular emphasis on the 2027 action plan.
The Department of Tourism Development is formulating tourism master plans for priority areas, and working to improve basic facilities and strengthen regional tourism links.
Other priorities include the enforcement of tourism-related regulations including Asean and national standards, and shifting management systems onto digital platforms to improve conditions for business operators.
The Department of Tourism Promotion is also expected to identify target markets, develop clear promotional campaigns through digital media and push for the establishment of the Lao Tourism Market Promotion Council.
Meanwhile, tourism bodies are being urged to update training programmes to better serve the industry, particularly in relation to hospitality service skills and digital technology. - Vientiane Times/ANN
