In 2023, LOCA PAY established its reputation as a trusted payment service, and serving over 200,000 tourists with its convenient, secure, and user-friendly platform.
LOCA PAY, an extension of LOCA’s successful ride-hailing service launched in 2022, is revolutionizing how tourists handle financial transactions in Laos.
This system allows visitors to effortlessly link their credit cards and pay to the widely accepted LAO QR network, facilitating seamless payments at various merchants across the nation with 15 major banks supported. The strategic integration of LOCA PAY with LOCA’s transportation services ensures a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable travel experience for tourists in Laos.
The introduction of LOCA PAY is a response to the growing need for more advanced and secure payment methods in the burgeoning tourism sector of Laos. With limited credit card acceptance and the inconvenience of carrying cash, LOCA PAY addresses these challenges head-on, offering an all-in-one solution for tourists’ payment and transportation needs. LOCA PAY works with all major credit cards such as VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMEX, and UNION PAY.
LOCA Pay. (Photo: LOCA)
It is important to note that LOCA PAY is not another e-wallet; there’s no need for a traditional top-up. This innovative system allows for a ‘pay as you go’ approach, simplifying the process for tourists. By simply linking a credit card to the app, users can start their journey immediately. This feature is a game-changer, offering a hassle-free experience and eliminating the need for tourists to preload funds, which is often a limitation of other payment services.
As Laos steps into the global spotlight in 2024, LOCA PAY is not just a payment system; it’s a symbol of the country’s commitment to technological advancement and enhancing the overall visitor experience. With its user-friendly interface, extensive merchant network, and robust security features, LOCA PAY is set to become an indispensable tool for tourists exploring the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Laos.
As the excitement builds for the “Visit Laos Year 2024,” LOCA PAY stands ready to ensure that every visitor’s journey through this beautiful country is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. With its proven track record and innovative approach, LOCA PAY is set to play a pivotal role in boosting Laos’s tourism industry and elevating the country’s status on the international stage.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-lc.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-02-13 04:19:002024-02-07 11:20:46LOCA PAY Set to Transform Tourist Payments for Visit Laos Year 2024
Luxury hotels and resorts in Laos, particularly in Luang Prabang Province, are raising concerns over tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid debts by Focus Asia, a prominent destination management company. Despite years of collaboration and trust-building, the company has allegedly failed to honor financial commitments made to its hospitality partners in Laos.
Sources suggest that the company currently owes upwards of USD 40,000 to more than 20 different hotels in Luang Prabang, including notable establishments such as Le Bel Air (USD 11,264), Villa Malay Boutique (USD 5,399), The Luang Say Lodge and Vat Phou Cruises (USD 12,652), and The Grand Luang Prabang (USD 3,810).
Established in 2009, Focus Asia solidified credit lines with various luxury hotels in Luang Prabang, allowing the company to manage expenses for tour groups visiting the area. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck Laos in early 2020, forcing the closure of tourist hotspots and halting international travel, the hospitality industry faced unprecedented challenges. As borders shut down and tourism ground to a halt, Focus Asia, like many other operators, sought to postpone payments to its hotel and restaurant partners.
“At this time, Focus Asia will need to delay paying any invoices from previous tours for the time being. However, our business is still alive. We are not closing any of our offices, and our operation will continue as usual. We have several projects in the pipeline, and once the business returns, Focus Asia and our sister companies shall be ready. As soon as the situation improves, we start again with our payments as usual,” read a letter titled Focus Asia Group – Letter to Suppliers ALL Countries, signed by Executive Board Member Marc Seiver on 19 March 2020.
However, despite the resumption of activities, Focus Asia allegedly failed to pay.
We have all been badly affected by Covid crisis and are inclined to support each other by offering payment flexibility to our partners, as long as we maintain transparent communication, which in this case they failed to do,” Baptiste Cabarry, General Manager of Villa Malay Boutique in Luang Prabang, told The Laotian Times.
Reports indicate that despite financial constraints, Focus Asia continued its marketing endeavors and even launched new ventures during the pandemic, neglecting overdue payments to local businesses.
“Focus Asia has never answered any of our emails or phone calls, either from the Lao branch or their head office in Vietnam. We knew however they were receiving clients as we contacted them on an alternative email account and pretended to be guests in search of a tour organizer (in this case, we have received their answer),” Cabarry explained.
“Despite these financial challenges, Focus Asia continued their marketing efforts and even developed new brands during the pandemic, indicating that they were utilizing funds – which rightfully belonged to others – for promotional activities,” said Thatsanyvanh Luanglath, another hotel owner and operator in Champasack and Oudomxay Province.
Efforts by hotel owners and operators to reach out to Focus Asia have reportedly gone unanswered, with communication abruptly ceasing. The situation exacerbated when Focus Asia terminated its operations on 25 November, 2021, only to be succeeded by Travel Indochina Lao Co., Ltd, a new enterprise operated by Mark Seiver, established on 5 July, 2022.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-grand-LPB.jpg6271031Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-02-12 08:17:002024-02-07 11:18:46Tour Operator Focus Asia Under Fire for Unpaid Debts to Luxury Hotels in Laos
Under the umbrella of the ASEAN National Tourism Organization, the bloc has established seven tourism criteria aimed at standardizing tourism services. These criteria are crucial in elevating the quality of tourism products and services while fostering responsible management practices among tourism businesses and stakeholders across the region.
Recognizing adherence to these benchmarks, awards are bestowed upon facilities in the region that meet ASEAN’s criteria for excellence in tourism services.
Five hotels in Laos won the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard award, including Amantaka Hotel in Luang Prabang province, the Pullman Luang Prabang, Belmond la Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang, the Crowne Plaza Vientiane, and Le Grand Pakbeng Resort in Oudomxay province. The awards are given to hotels dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Vientiane Capital, and Kaysone Phomvihane City in Savannakhet Province also received the ASEAN Clean City Tourist Standard award, which is aimed at encouraging major urban tourist destinations to improve the quality of tourism in their cities, increase their marketing competitiveness but also improve the situation of local residents and their livelihood by alleviating poverty.
Notably, Laos also received five ASEAN Event Venue Standard, Conference Hall awards, one Exhibition Venue award, five Festival Venue awards and two ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award 2 awards, namely Kua Lao restaurant in Vientiane Capital and the Tad Yeuang restaurant in Champasack province.
This year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum, from 22-27 January, focused on sustainability, with the bloc’s members committing to prioritize environmentally responsible practices in tourism.
Tourism projection for the region revealed a year-on-year increase of 153.09 percent in international arrivals for the region, signaling a strong trajectory for post-pandemic recovery.
LOCA PAY Set to Transform Tourist Payments for Visit Laos Year 2024
In 2023, LOCA PAY established its reputation as a trusted payment service, and serving over 200,000 tourists with its convenient, secure, and user-friendly platform.
LOCA PAY, an extension of LOCA’s successful ride-hailing service launched in 2022, is revolutionizing how tourists handle financial transactions in Laos.
This system allows visitors to effortlessly link their credit cards and pay to the widely accepted LAO QR network, facilitating seamless payments at various merchants across the nation with 15 major banks supported. The strategic integration of LOCA PAY with LOCA’s transportation services ensures a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable travel experience for tourists in Laos.
The introduction of LOCA PAY is a response to the growing need for more advanced and secure payment methods in the burgeoning tourism sector of Laos. With limited credit card acceptance and the inconvenience of carrying cash, LOCA PAY addresses these challenges head-on, offering an all-in-one solution for tourists’ payment and transportation needs. LOCA PAY works with all major credit cards such as VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMEX, and UNION PAY.
It is important to note that LOCA PAY is not another e-wallet; there’s no need for a traditional top-up. This innovative system allows for a ‘pay as you go’ approach, simplifying the process for tourists. By simply linking a credit card to the app, users can start their journey immediately. This feature is a game-changer, offering a hassle-free experience and eliminating the need for tourists to preload funds, which is often a limitation of other payment services.
As Laos steps into the global spotlight in 2024, LOCA PAY is not just a payment system; it’s a symbol of the country’s commitment to technological advancement and enhancing the overall visitor experience. With its user-friendly interface, extensive merchant network, and robust security features, LOCA PAY is set to become an indispensable tool for tourists exploring the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Laos.
As the excitement builds for the “Visit Laos Year 2024,” LOCA PAY stands ready to ensure that every visitor’s journey through this beautiful country is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. With its proven track record and innovative approach, LOCA PAY is set to play a pivotal role in boosting Laos’s tourism industry and elevating the country’s status on the international stage.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/01/26/loca-pay-set-to-transform-tourist-payments-for-visit-laos-year-2024/
Tour Operator Focus Asia Under Fire for Unpaid Debts to Luxury Hotels in Laos
Luxury hotels and resorts in Laos, particularly in Luang Prabang Province, are raising concerns over tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid debts by Focus Asia, a prominent destination management company. Despite years of collaboration and trust-building, the company has allegedly failed to honor financial commitments made to its hospitality partners in Laos.
Sources suggest that the company currently owes upwards of USD 40,000 to more than 20 different hotels in Luang Prabang, including notable establishments such as Le Bel Air (USD 11,264), Villa Malay Boutique (USD 5,399), The Luang Say Lodge and Vat Phou Cruises (USD 12,652), and The Grand Luang Prabang (USD 3,810).
Established in 2009, Focus Asia solidified credit lines with various luxury hotels in Luang Prabang, allowing the company to manage expenses for tour groups visiting the area. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck Laos in early 2020, forcing the closure of tourist hotspots and halting international travel, the hospitality industry faced unprecedented challenges. As borders shut down and tourism ground to a halt, Focus Asia, like many other operators, sought to postpone payments to its hotel and restaurant partners.
“At this time, Focus Asia will need to delay paying any invoices from previous tours for the time being. However, our business is still alive. We are not closing any of our offices, and our operation will continue as usual. We have several projects in the pipeline, and once the business returns, Focus Asia and our sister companies shall be ready. As soon as the situation improves, we start again with our payments as usual,” read a letter titled Focus Asia Group – Letter to Suppliers ALL Countries, signed by Executive Board Member Marc Seiver on 19 March 2020.
However, despite the resumption of activities, Focus Asia allegedly failed to pay.
We have all been badly affected by Covid crisis and are inclined to support each other by offering payment flexibility to our partners, as long as we maintain transparent communication, which in this case they failed to do,” Baptiste Cabarry, General Manager of Villa Malay Boutique in Luang Prabang, told The Laotian Times.
Reports indicate that despite financial constraints, Focus Asia continued its marketing endeavors and even launched new ventures during the pandemic, neglecting overdue payments to local businesses.
“Focus Asia has never answered any of our emails or phone calls, either from the Lao branch or their head office in Vietnam. We knew however they were receiving clients as we contacted them on an alternative email account and pretended to be guests in search of a tour organizer (in this case, we have received their answer),” Cabarry explained.
“Despite these financial challenges, Focus Asia continued their marketing efforts and even developed new brands during the pandemic, indicating that they were utilizing funds – which rightfully belonged to others – for promotional activities,” said Thatsanyvanh Luanglath, another hotel owner and operator in Champasack and Oudomxay Province.
Efforts by hotel owners and operators to reach out to Focus Asia have reportedly gone unanswered, with communication abruptly ceasing. The situation exacerbated when Focus Asia terminated its operations on 25 November, 2021, only to be succeeded by Travel Indochina Lao Co., Ltd, a new enterprise operated by Mark Seiver, established on 5 July, 2022.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/01/26/tour-operator-focus-asia-under-fire-for-unpaid-debts-to-luxury-hotels-in-laos/
Laos Receives Accolades at ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards Ceremony
Under the umbrella of the ASEAN National Tourism Organization, the bloc has established seven tourism criteria aimed at standardizing tourism services. These criteria are crucial in elevating the quality of tourism products and services while fostering responsible management practices among tourism businesses and stakeholders across the region.
Recognizing adherence to these benchmarks, awards are bestowed upon facilities in the region that meet ASEAN’s criteria for excellence in tourism services.
Five hotels in Laos won the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard award, including Amantaka Hotel in Luang Prabang province, the Pullman Luang Prabang, Belmond la Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang, the Crowne Plaza Vientiane, and Le Grand Pakbeng Resort in Oudomxay province. The awards are given to hotels dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Vientiane Capital, and Kaysone Phomvihane City in Savannakhet Province also received the ASEAN Clean City Tourist Standard award, which is aimed at encouraging major urban tourist destinations to improve the quality of tourism in their cities, increase their marketing competitiveness but also improve the situation of local residents and their livelihood by alleviating poverty.
Notably, Laos also received five ASEAN Event Venue Standard, Conference Hall awards, one Exhibition Venue award, five Festival Venue awards and two ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award 2 awards, namely Kua Lao restaurant in Vientiane Capital and the Tad Yeuang restaurant in Champasack province.
This year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum, from 22-27 January, focused on sustainability, with the bloc’s members committing to prioritize environmentally responsible practices in tourism.
Tourism projection for the region revealed a year-on-year increase of 153.09 percent in international arrivals for the region, signaling a strong trajectory for post-pandemic recovery.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/01/30/laos-receives-accolades-at-asean-tourism-standards-awards-ceremony/