LAO PDR TOURISM COVID-19 RECOVERY ROADMAP 2021-2025

Before 2020, tourism in Lao PDR was one of the largest sources of foreign exchange earnings, only behind mining and electricity. International tourism arrivals reached a peak in 2019 as 4.79 million visitors came to Laos and spent $934 million dollars. This makes for a contribution of tourism spend to the Lao economy of 9.1%. It also created employment for 300,000 people in Lao PDR.

COVID-19 has paralysed the tourism industry, with a decline of international tourism arrivals around 74%. Tourism businesses experienced a huge drop in revenue of somewhere between 70 and 80%. Almost all workers in the tourism sector, both directly and indirectly, have been impacted through unpaid salaries, loss of income and increase in outstanding debts (water bills, electricity bills etc), the negative impact on households’ disposable income and a decline in domestic demand.

The biggest challenge tourism businesses in Lao PDR have reported as a result of COVID-19 is the high risk of needing to terminate their business due to cashflow issues and lack of working capital. At least 50% of tourism businesses have reported cashflow issues as a result of COVID-19, and up to 65% of formal businesses have reported a high risk of needing to terminate at least part of their operations. In interviews as well as the stakeholder consultation workshop, the private sector stressed that financial support to tourism businesses should be an immediate priority, to avoid the sector to collapse in the short to medium term.

THE 3RD ASEAN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARDS LAUNCHED

The theme of the third ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards 2022 is “Safe Tourism”

Responsible tourism operators in Southeast Asia can now participate to the 3rd ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA), a prestigious recognition in support to the implementation of ASEAN’s Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025.

Twenty sustainable tourism packages – two from each ASEAN Member State (one urban and one rural) – will be highlighted on the respective NTO’s website and will receive exposure as a national best practice operator during press conferences and trade shows such as ATF, TRAVEX, ITB and WTM covering the two years period, in order to raise their business exposure as well as international visibility.

In addition, winners will be highlighted on ASEAN Tourism’s website https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/

They will be invited on stage to receive a trophy and recognition during the sustainable tourism awards event, which will be part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cambodia, January 2022.

Mr. Khom DUANGCHANTHA, Director General of Tourism Marketing Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism visioned that ASEAN tourism operators have to showcase the best tourism products to be featured in the ASEAN award platform launched. The tourism package are represented importance of sustainable tourism practices in combating seasonality and rebalancing tourist flows into ASEAN countries.
“The diversity and quality of ASEAN’s sustainable tour packages are amazing for tourists to select according to their preferences. The aim of the awards is to prove and foster green tourism practitioners” Mr. Khom stated.

Of the two winners in each country, one will be “rural”, one will be “urban” to reaffirm that city operators can be sustainable as much as rural ones.

The award takes place every two years with a different theme. For 2022-2023, for the 3rd edition of ASTA, the theme is “Safe Tourism”. “Safe tourism” refers to trips made to destinations where all the precautions have been taken to provide visitors with the safest experience and it constitutes the main selling argument.

Each application will be assessed by ASTA’s Master Assessors in the applicant’s country.

The deadline for submissions is 30th October 2021. Results will be announced in December and the awarding ceremony will be take place on January 2022 during ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cambodia.

Applicants can read the full rules and regulations and download the application forms and guidelines here alternatively email asta.asean@gmail.com.

Further information on past edition
Visit https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/

Blue Bridge Remains Free of Charge in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng’s blue bridge, known as Khoua See Fa Tham Non, is offering free passage until 2022.

The bridge, spanning the Song River, was constructed by Wonderful Travel Co., Ltd and officially opened to the public in August 2019.

Located just beyond the Vang Vieng fresh market, at 16 meters high and 110 meters long, the bridge allows road traffic to easily and conveniently cross the river and access tourism sites on the other side.

President of Wonderful Travel Co, Mr. Bounphan Vongsamphan spoke with the Laotian Times, saying the bridge, officially known as Tham Non Blue Bridge, or Khoua See Fa Tham Non, has become a tourism site in its own right.

Vang Vieng Blue Bridge
Crossing the blue bridge in Vang Vieng.

It was constructed over 3,574 square meters, and is valued at over LAK 1.6 billion, according to Mr. Bounphan.

“We have been offering passage across the bridge free of charge since 2019, and will continue to do so until 2022,” he said.

“However, we expect to begin charging for use of the blue bridge from 2023 until 2030,” Mr. Bounphan Vongsamphan added.

Vang Vieng authorities said recently that the town had received over one million visitors in the last five years, with 700,000 of these foreign tourists.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, however, the number of visitors to Vang Vieng has dropped to just 30 percent of its pre-pandemic volume.

The opening of the Vientiane to Vang Vieng Expressway has cut travel time, and resulted in a surge of domestic tourists on weekends and holidays.

The blue bridge is located in Houy Sangao Village, Vang Vieng District, in Vientiane Province, and provides access to areas beyond Vang Vieng town. Activities for visitors in the area include a viewpoint on the bridge, as well as kayaking, ziplining, caving, and more.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/03/02/blue-bridge-remains-free-of-charge-in-vang-vieng/

Xaysomboun Sees Over 10,000 Tourists in 2020

Xaysomboun Province received over 10,000 visitors in the first nine months of 2020, bringing USD 159,195 in revenue to the province.

A total of 10,186 tourists visited Xaysomboun province during nine months of last year, according to a report by Pasaxon Newspaper.

These included 9,759 domestic visitors and 427 international tourists, despite disruptions caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Authorities in Xaysomboun have given the green light to a number of operators to study possibilities for developing tourist sites in the province.

Khamphay Sana Group completed a feasibility study on a project last year, with the aim of stimulating tourism in the region while promoting environmental conservation and rural development.

The group plans to include activities such as rock climbing, hiking, camping, and homestays in the activities it will provide atop Phu Bia Mountain.

Inthira Group is coordinating with the provincial departments of information, culture, and tourism and the provincial department of agriculture and forestry to study the feasibility of biodiversity tourism sites in the area, while Long Cheng Development Co., Ltd, is undertaking a technical-economic feasibility study and preparing for approval.

Vieng Avone Agriculture Development also recently completed a preliminary feasibility study on 3,000 hectares of land.

Xaysomboun Province now has two hotels, as well as 54 guesthouses, 70 restaurants, and 48 entertainment venues.

The Lao government states that unrest in Xaysomboun Province has now been resolved after the provincial governor submitted a report to the Eleventh Party Congress in January stating that authorities in Xaysomboun Province have worked hard to monitor and suppress occasional flareups.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/05/25/xaysomboun-sees-over-10000-tourists-in-2020/

Laos Officially Authorizes Lao New Year Celebrations

Authorities in Laos have given the green light to Lao New Year celebrations (Boun Pi Mai Lao) this year, although strict Covid-19 prevention and control measures will apply.

According to a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, people in Laos can enjoy celebrating Pi Mai Lao this year but must comply with measures for prevention and control of Covid-19.

Under the notice, the official holiday dates for Lao New Year across the country will be 14, 15, and 16 April.

Laos authorizes Lao New Year

Authorities say people may participate in the celebration with their families, at their workplaces, and at temples in accordance with Lao traditions.

However, outdoor entertainment venues, market fairs, or music and dance performances at river banks, temples, or other public places have been prohibited.

The use of unclean water, dyed water, or use of vehicles to splash water has also been prohibited.

The notice also states that the Miss New Year procession will not go ahead unless otherwise specified by authorities.

It is unclear whether the Luang Prabang Lao New Year events schedule, issued by the mayor of Luang Prabang yesterday, would fall under this category or not as it includes authorization for a Miss New Year procession in the city.

Meanwhile, the notice issued today states that authorities must monitor border crossings and keep an eye on the price of goods, which may see price hikes during the Lao New Year period.

Strict Covid-19 prevention guidelines issued by the national taskforce must remain in place during the festival, such as social distancing measures and provision of face masks and hand gel.

Lao New Year celebrations were canceled in 2020 due to the country going into lockdown as part of Covid-19 prevention measures ordered by the prime minister.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/03/25/laos-officially-authorizes-lao-new-year-celebrations/

Luang Prabang Authorities Release New Year Events Schedule

Much to the joy of everyone in Laos, the beloved Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) festival will be going ahead this year, after being canceled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

The mayor of Luang Prabang has released an official schedule of events:

Schedule of Events for the Lao New Year Celebrations in Luang Prabang

10 April
10:00, Jetski race in the Mekong

11 April
09:00, Traditional market fair opens at That Luang Field

13 April
07:30, Elephant procession from Wat Mai to Wat Xieng Thong

14 April
09:00, Various temples will bring out their Buddha images for local people to wash with lustral water

13:00, Building sand stupas on the island across from the mouth of the Khan River

Grand Procession of Miss New Year
Grand Procession of Miss New Year (Photo: Phoonsab Thevongsa)

15 April
14:00, Grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat That Noy to Wat Xieng Thong

19:00, Sprinkling lustral water over Buddha images at various temples around the city

16 April
05:30, Almsgiving ceremony at Wat Sene and then up Phousi Mountain

14:00, Grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat Xieng Thong to Wat That Noy

19:00, Naga and lantern parades descend from Phousi Mountain to the pond inside the National Museum, along with traditional Phalak Phalam dancing

Revelers enjoy water play in Luang Prabang (Photo- Christian Hogue)
Revelers enjoy water play in Luang Prabang town (Photo: Christian Hogue)

17 April
08:30, The Prabang is paraded out of Hor Prabang to Wat Mai

11:30, Provincial leaders and Miss New Year visit Pak Ou Caves to sprinkle lustral water on the Buddha images there

18 April
Worshippers sprinkle lustral water on the Prabang Buddha image at Wat Mai

19 April
09:00, The Prabang is paraded back to Hor Prabang from Wat Mai

20 April
09:00, The Phra Man Buddha image at Wat Xieng Thong is brought out of its chapel for washing

21-24 April
Worshippers sprinkle lustral water on the Phra Man Buddha image at Wat Xieng Thong

25 April
15:00, The Phra Man Buddha image is returned to its chapel

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/03/24/luang-prabang-authorities-release-new-year-events-schedule/

Laos Only ASEAN Country With Zero Covid Deaths

Laos has become the only country in ASEAN with zero deaths attributed to the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Until last week, Cambodia and Laos had each recorded zero deaths from the Coronavirus, despite differing strategies for Covid prevention and control.

Cambodia suffered its first death from Covid-19 last Thursday in its biggest outbreak so far, after a 50-year-old man died from the virus at Phnom Penh’s Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital. The man had been a driver for a Chinese national who lived in the town of Sihanoukville, according to reports.

Laos has now become the last country in ASEAN to record zero deaths from the virus and remains the country in the Southeast Asian bloc that has recorded the fewest cases of Covid-19, at just 49 cases.

While humble Laos has not received much international attention for its efforts, the country has received praise from representatives of international health organizations for its containment of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Dr. Howard Sobel, World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Laos, applauded the government of Laos for its success in containing the country’s first Covid-19 outbreak in June last year.

“Lao PDR’s response to its first outbreak of Covid-19 was exemplary. The government anticipated the arrival of this terrible disease and did all the right things to stop it from spreading,” said Dr. Sobel.

“This undoubtedly saved many lives. It has been an honor for WHO to work with the Ministry of Health and the National Task Force Committee during this difficult, but successful, time in Lao PDR. But, as the Prime Minister has said, this is only an initial success. Covid-19 is still spreading in many countries around the world. We must all continue to prepare for the next wave of infections here.”

The country received praise again in October at the country’s Intra-Action Review meeting, with WHO’s Representative to Lao PDR, Dr. Mark Jacobs, commenting:

“The keys to Lao PDR’s success have been: clear leadership of the national response; clear proactive public communication; very early public health measures including lockdown; good acceptance by the community of these measures; and a focus on the border.”

The early success achieved by Laos’s quick action meant the country was able to gradually ease lockdown restrictions without seeing another big outbreak of the disease, virtually reverting to normal life for most citizens inside its borders.

Laos has already embarked on a vaccination campaign after receiving shipments of vaccines from China, Russia, and the COVAX facility.

Over 40,000 people have received at least the first doses of the vaccines in the country, including medical workers and at-risk groups. The second round of vaccinations is to take place in April, with the government calling on everyone to accept the vaccine.

About 20 percent of the population is to be vaccinated by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, a ban on certain flights remains in place, with the government instituting mandatory Covid-19 insurance and wrist monitoring devices for foreign citizens entering Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/03/24/laos-only-asean-country-with-zero-covid-deaths/

Family Adventures in Southern Laos

Traveling with young children can be a wonderful experience as they are exposed to new cultures, environments, and activities. These family trips can create impressions and memories that stay with them for the rest of their lives.

With the holidays around the corner, many of you will be considering where to go with the family when school is out. Where many destinations cater only to one travel style, but you’ll find activities for the whole family in Southern Laos.  

Here’s a list of the best holiday accommodation for families with school-aged kids that we’ve rounded up for you. Have fun!

Champasak Grand

Champasak Grand Hotel - Official Website

Great for family staycations but still accessible enough if you want to do some sightseeing on your own. The hotel is situated close to the famous Dao Heuang Market where they sell pretty much everything from meat to jewelry. Also, around this area is where you can find (and ride) a three-wheeled bicycle called a “Samlor”. The Lao-Nippon bridge is just beside the hotel where you can get a stunning view of the Mekong and the golden Buddha of Phou Salao.

This hotel has a large children’s pool connected to their equally amazing adult pool – a very popular weekend spot for local expat families. Depending on what you’re hungry for, you can choose between a Chinese restaurant, Zhong Hua Lou, for their delicious roasted duck or Sa La Gang Kong, a riverside restaurant serving a wide range of local and international dishes. This accommodation also has the best breakfast buffet in town!

Phubachiang Golf and Resort

PhuBaChiang Golf & Resort Pakse in Laos - Room Deals, Photos & Reviews

Another popular option in Pakse is Phubachiang Golf and Resort. The bungalows here are spacious enough to accommodate the whole family. The restaurant provides panoramic views of the magnificent mountain ranges and the sprawling gardens of this 400-acre property with an 18-hole golf course. Best of all, the pool area has a tall water slide perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. Maybe you can get around in too!

The River Resort

The River Resort, Champasak – Updated 2020 Prices

This luxurious resort in Champasak town offers riverfront and pond/garden villas. As an eco-friendly resort, they cultivate their rice paddy and vegetable gardens with organic matter from their compost pit and they even use solar-heated hot water in their kitchens! For nature lovers, there is the nearby “Parkland”, an expansive lush forest-garden full of native flora and fauna that the kids will enjoy, especially since some indigenous trees here are more than 25 meters tall. Guests can spend countless hours enjoying either one of their two infinity pools with Mekong views. The riverside restaurant serves scrumptious local and western cuisines, but we personally like their Thai dishes best. A true paradise for families, we could stay here for days on end.

La Folie Lodge

A charming lodge located on Don Daeng island across from Champasak town offers a rare opportunity to retreat from the hectic rush of busy streets. Some of the wooden bungalows here have stunning Mekong views and they even have a large private villa for rent – great for families. The pool is just perfect for kids: under the shade of palm trees and overlooking buffaloes trudging the sandy beaches surrounding the island. If you want to relax poolside with a good book and have drinks and snacks brought to you while the kids enjoy the water, then this is the place for you. The price of the accommodation includes boat transfers and breakfast plus extra small details like having a king-sized bed and eco-friendly toiletries.

Pon Arena

Pon Arena Hotel | Selective Asia

Pon Arena is a lavish hotel and restaurant serenely located at Muang Khong in the 4000 Islands area. This hotel features two outdoor pools and is conveniently placed on the main strip of the tourism area of Don Khong where guests can easily access restaurants either by foot or by bicycle. Another must-see is the former home of the governor which is now converted into the district’s museum.

Sengahloun Resort

Located on Don Khone island in the 4000 Islands area, Sengahloune resort offers garden bungalows next to the Mekong River. Their bungalows are made with local materials and are air-conditioned and spacious. It is highly recommended to cycle around Don Det and Don Khone to see the sights; just take a picture of the Si Phan Don cycling maps in one the businesses here or go to southern-laos.com/southern-laos-materials/ to download a free version.

Sinouk Coffee Resort

Sinouk Coffee Resort, Champasak, Laos

Sinouk Coffee Resort is a coffee lover’s paradise! Located in Thateng District, this luxurious resort in the Bolaven Plateau has a natural pool with a cascading mini waterfall. They also have a quaint and beautifully maintained garden and their coffee plantation is literally right in front of the guest rooms. The restaurant on the premises serves a variety of dishes, as well as world-class coffee. 

Originally published in Champa Meuanglao Magazine.

Text by Southern Laos Marketing Taskforce
Photographs by SWISSCONTACT

Phu Bia Mountain to be Developed as New Tourism Site

Authorities in Laos have approved the development of Phu Bia Mountain as a sustainable development tourism site.

According to a report by Vientiane Times, Khamphay Sana Group is to develop new tourism facilities on the Phu Bia Mountain site.

The development will take place in Phou Houa Xang Village, in Anouvong District, Xaysomboun Province, under a 99 years concession.

Development of the site is valued at some USD 500 million, creating tourism activities in line with the Sustainable Conservation of Phu Bia Project.

The activities will include climbing, cycling, camping, and homestays, while facilities will include a cable car, amusement park, and a five-star hotel.

Khamphay Sana Group completed a feasibility study on the project last year, with the aim of stimulating tourism in the region, while promoting environmental conservation and rural development.

The project will be key to attracting more tourists to visit Xaysomboun Province, where 90 percent of residents are Hmong.

Phu Bia is the highest mountain in Laos at 2,820 meters high. The area is rich in biodiversity and natural resources, most famous for the Phu Bia Mine, however, the population remains one of the poorest in the country and sees little tourism.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/01/12/phu-bia-mountain-to-be-developed-as-new-tourism-site/

ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo to be Held on 6–7 November 2020

The Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo welcomed several hundred visitors at their respective events in Luang Prabang and Vientiane over the past two years, as the region’s leading specialized fair for the tourism industry to celebrate, explore, and exhibit the latest trends, insights, and technology in sustainable tourism and hospitality practices. The event has now rebranded as the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo (ASTSE) in order to better reflect its importance in Southeast Asia, and this year’s edition will take place on 6–7 November 2020.

35 exhibitors from around Laos will showcase their products, services, and initiatives over the course of the event. The exhibitors represent several categories relevant to the theme of the event: eco-friendly hotel supplies, plastic alternatives, water and energy conservation systems, as well as initiatives and projects. They are: Aqua de Bamboo, Asia One Resort Supply, Birds Follow Spring, Business Assistance Facility (BAF), CS Lighting, DCT Service Center, E&M Solutions, Free the Bears, GAEBI, Greener Laos & Zero Waste Laos, Hospitality International Services, JHA Trading, Kinnari – Tea of Laos & Chocolate Dream, KV Solar Shop, Lao Clean Agriculture Development, Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, Lao Natural, Laobiogas, Mai Savanh Lao, Nahm Dong Park & Eco-Plates, Nakai Nam Theun National Park, Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, Nam Kat Yorlapa & Nampien Yorlapa, Panyanivej Organic Farm, Pawan Farm, Plastic Free Laos & EconoxLaos, Shopping-D, Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), TerraClear, Thaan Fun Organic Farm, Thavixok Rattan House, Tricontinental, USAID Lao Business Environment, Weaving Sisters, and Wongpanit Laos. The Lao Thiao Lao campaign will also be represented at the event, with information to share on their promotion of domestic tourism. 

One of the most enriching parts of the expo will be its symposia program, bringing together renowned thinkers to discuss topics that matter greatly to the Lao and regional tourism industries. On Friday, 6 November 2020, there will be three panel discussions, namely “The Future of Tourism in ASEAN and Laos, “Safe Travels: The Importance of Health and Safety in Effective Recovery Protocols,” and Rebuilding a More Resilient Tourism Workforce. On the second day of the expo, 7 November 2020, visitors can attend two panel discussions, “Developing a Post-Covid-19 Recovery Plan for the Tourism Sector” and “Practical Solutions to Plastic Reduction in Laos.” On that day, there will also be an interactive biodiversity and conservation activity led by Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife and Free the Bears. 

This year, in an effort to include regional visitors who are not able to attend due to travel restrictions, the organizers have brought our expo online. On 5–6 November 2020, visitors will find another 20 exhibitors and high-tech communication tools at astse.vfairs.com. There will also be symposia to watch on the site, including several live panel discussions, in addition to on-demand webinars. 

The ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo is organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ASEAN Secretariat, and supported by the German Development Cooperation. The expo’s generous sponsors include USAID, the Lao/029 Skills for Tourism Project, TTG Asia, and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office.

For a complete list of exhibitors, a full schedule, or details about symposia and speakers, please visit https://astse.vfairs.com/