The ASEAN-South Korea Music Festival 2024 (2024 ROUND) is set to take place in Laos this November.
The festival, themed ‘Step Out, Sing As One,’ aims to foster closer cultural bonds and facilitate dialogue between ASEAN member countries and South Korea through the universal language of music, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.
This year’s event, organized by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and supported by the South Korean government through the ASEAN-South Korea Cooperation Fund, will commemorate its fourth year since its establishment in 2020.
Annually, the ASEAN-South Korea festival aligns with the rotation of the Chairmanship of ASEAN. With Laos assuming the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024, hosting the festival holds particular significance as a major cultural event during its leadership tenure.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic’s three-year hiatus, the festival successfully returned in 2023 with its first offline concert in Jakarta, Indonesia. Drawing in over 2,000 enthusiastic attendees and selling out pre-sale tickets, it proved to be a success.
To be well-prepared for the highly anticipated 2024 ROUND, the ASEAN-Korea Music Forum is scheduled to take place on 5-6 March in Seoul, South Korea. The forum will bring together music industry professionals from South Korea and ASEAN member countries to explore the vision and potential of both regions’ music in the global market.
Discussions at the forum will also delve into KBS’ innovative AI solution, ‘VVERTIGO,’ and showcase South Korean broadcasting technology through music programs.
Additionally, this year’s festival holds special significance for ASEAN and South Korea as they commemorate the 35th anniversary of their partnership, which was established in 1989. The relationship between ASEAN and South Korea has deepened over the years, evolving from sectoral dialogue to comprehensive cooperation in 2004 and culminating in a strategic partnership in 2010.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-03-20 12:27:262024-04-24 13:49:27ASEAN-South Korea Music Festival 2024 Coming to Laos in November
The Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos has issued a notice regarding the adjustment of fees and service charges for passport issuance, effective on 4 March, to simplify passport procedures and ensure the sustainability of service provision.
According to the revised ordinance, issuance of electronic passports will be priced at USD 60 per book, while non-electric passports will cost USD 40 per book. Despite being set in a foreign currency, fees will be collected in the local currency, based on the exchange rate determined by the Ministry of Finance.
The notice regarding fee adjustments in USD currency emphasizes the need to secure sufficient funding for passport operations, covering expenses such as payments, procurement of IT equipment, and maintenance of technical systems sourced from foreign countries.
Furthermore, the amendment will also introduce an express passport service with three processing options: 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day, priced at LAK 1 million, LAK 500,000, and LAK 300,000 per book. This expedited service is designed to assist individuals in need of passports before the stipulated 10-day period as per the Passport Law.
“The [express passport] service aims to address the ongoing issue of illegal express passports by implementing a systematic, orderly, transparent, and verifiable process,” the notice states. “It also aims to generate extra income for the state budget.”
The Consular Department urges all sectors, including residents, employees, and officials from various fields, to familiarize themselves with the revised fees and services.
Additionally, the adjustment aims to tackle residents’ concerns, particularly regarding long waiting times faced by residents, as many have recently expressed frustration with the passport acquisition process, citing long waits, system errors, and appointment favoritism.
The Lao government, along with stakeholders in the tourism sector, is increasing efforts to elevate tourism standards with the aim of attracting more visitors to the country.
During a meeting held on 13 February to review the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s achievements in 2023 and outline plans for 2024, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune urged collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance tourist attractions, visitor amenities, and services provided by hotels and restaurants.
Emphasizing the importance of quality services, Deputy PM Kikeo stressed the need for diversification of tourism products, with a focus on activities that showcase the cultural richness of Laos’ ethnic groups, as well as the promotion of agritourism.
Deputy PM Kikeo also raised awareness of existing challenges in Lao tourism, especially issues with many tourism aspects that lack coordination and do not generate significant revenue for the government.
On the other hand, Lao local residents have also urged the government to enhance road conditions across the country to facilitate better access for visitors to reach tourist destinations.
Despite challenges, progress has been made over the past year in the development, management, and promotion of various forms of tourism, including natural, historical, cultural, and agricultural tourism. Infrastructure and facilities in some areas have also been upgraded to connect more effectively with local facilities.
This year, many tourism-related businesses across Laos have also shown dedication to improving services to meet ASEAN tourism standards. On 13 February, Lao tourism business operators were honored for meeting the standards set by ASEAN across three categories. Notably, the awards included 45 recognitions for the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, 6 awards for the ASEAN MICE Venue Standards, and 1 award for ASEAN Sustainable Tourism.
Additionally, during the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Vientiane Capital in late January, Laos was also honored with 20 ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards, out of the total 192 awards given to entities across the bloc.
During the ATF, government officials and industry representatives from ASEAN nations also gathered to explore strategies for promoting sustainable tourism, leveraging social media for marketing purposes, and tapping into the potential of adventure tourism.
To further boost the tourism sector, the Lao government has also launched the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign, with many provinces and local villages set to welcome visitors from around the world to discover the country’s wonders.
With ambitious targets set by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Laos aims to welcome over 6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024.
ASEAN-South Korea Music Festival 2024 Coming to Laos in November
The ASEAN-South Korea Music Festival 2024 (2024 ROUND) is set to take place in Laos this November.
The festival, themed ‘Step Out, Sing As One,’ aims to foster closer cultural bonds and facilitate dialogue between ASEAN member countries and South Korea through the universal language of music, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.
This year’s event, organized by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and supported by the South Korean government through the ASEAN-South Korea Cooperation Fund, will commemorate its fourth year since its establishment in 2020.
Annually, the ASEAN-South Korea festival aligns with the rotation of the Chairmanship of ASEAN. With Laos assuming the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024, hosting the festival holds particular significance as a major cultural event during its leadership tenure.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic’s three-year hiatus, the festival successfully returned in 2023 with its first offline concert in Jakarta, Indonesia. Drawing in over 2,000 enthusiastic attendees and selling out pre-sale tickets, it proved to be a success.
To be well-prepared for the highly anticipated 2024 ROUND, the ASEAN-Korea Music Forum is scheduled to take place on 5-6 March in Seoul, South Korea. The forum will bring together music industry professionals from South Korea and ASEAN member countries to explore the vision and potential of both regions’ music in the global market.
Discussions at the forum will also delve into KBS’ innovative AI solution, ‘VVERTIGO,’ and showcase South Korean broadcasting technology through music programs.
Additionally, this year’s festival holds special significance for ASEAN and South Korea as they commemorate the 35th anniversary of their partnership, which was established in 1989. The relationship between ASEAN and South Korea has deepened over the years, evolving from sectoral dialogue to comprehensive cooperation in 2004 and culminating in a strategic partnership in 2010.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/03/04/asean-south-korea-music-festival-2024-coming-to-laos-in-november/
Laos Adjusts Passport Issuance Fees, Service Charges in USD, Collected in Lao Kip
The Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos has issued a notice regarding the adjustment of fees and service charges for passport issuance, effective on 4 March, to simplify passport procedures and ensure the sustainability of service provision.
According to the revised ordinance, issuance of electronic passports will be priced at USD 60 per book, while non-electric passports will cost USD 40 per book. Despite being set in a foreign currency, fees will be collected in the local currency, based on the exchange rate determined by the Ministry of Finance.
The notice regarding fee adjustments in USD currency emphasizes the need to secure sufficient funding for passport operations, covering expenses such as payments, procurement of IT equipment, and maintenance of technical systems sourced from foreign countries.
Furthermore, the amendment will also introduce an express passport service with three processing options: 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day, priced at LAK 1 million, LAK 500,000, and LAK 300,000 per book. This expedited service is designed to assist individuals in need of passports before the stipulated 10-day period as per the Passport Law.
“The [express passport] service aims to address the ongoing issue of illegal express passports by implementing a systematic, orderly, transparent, and verifiable process,” the notice states. “It also aims to generate extra income for the state budget.”
The Consular Department urges all sectors, including residents, employees, and officials from various fields, to familiarize themselves with the revised fees and services.
Additionally, the adjustment aims to tackle residents’ concerns, particularly regarding long waiting times faced by residents, as many have recently expressed frustration with the passport acquisition process, citing long waits, system errors, and appointment favoritism.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/02/23/laos-adjusts-passport-issuance-fees-service-charges-in-usd-collected-in-lao-kip/
Efforts Underway to Enhance Tourism Standards in Laos
The Lao government, along with stakeholders in the tourism sector, is increasing efforts to elevate tourism standards with the aim of attracting more visitors to the country.
During a meeting held on 13 February to review the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s achievements in 2023 and outline plans for 2024, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune urged collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance tourist attractions, visitor amenities, and services provided by hotels and restaurants.
Emphasizing the importance of quality services, Deputy PM Kikeo stressed the need for diversification of tourism products, with a focus on activities that showcase the cultural richness of Laos’ ethnic groups, as well as the promotion of agritourism.
Deputy PM Kikeo also raised awareness of existing challenges in Lao tourism, especially issues with many tourism aspects that lack coordination and do not generate significant revenue for the government.
On the other hand, Lao local residents have also urged the government to enhance road conditions across the country to facilitate better access for visitors to reach tourist destinations.
Despite challenges, progress has been made over the past year in the development, management, and promotion of various forms of tourism, including natural, historical, cultural, and agricultural tourism. Infrastructure and facilities in some areas have also been upgraded to connect more effectively with local facilities.
This year, many tourism-related businesses across Laos have also shown dedication to improving services to meet ASEAN tourism standards. On 13 February, Lao tourism business operators were honored for meeting the standards set by ASEAN across three categories. Notably, the awards included 45 recognitions for the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, 6 awards for the ASEAN MICE Venue Standards, and 1 award for ASEAN Sustainable Tourism.
Additionally, during the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Vientiane Capital in late January, Laos was also honored with 20 ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards, out of the total 192 awards given to entities across the bloc.
During the ATF, government officials and industry representatives from ASEAN nations also gathered to explore strategies for promoting sustainable tourism, leveraging social media for marketing purposes, and tapping into the potential of adventure tourism.
To further boost the tourism sector, the Lao government has also launched the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign, with many provinces and local villages set to welcome visitors from around the world to discover the country’s wonders.
With ambitious targets set by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Laos aims to welcome over 6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/02/19/efforts-underway-to-enhance-tourism-standards-in-laos/