Laos to welcome 4 million

VIENTIANE  Lao PDR should attract 4 million international tourist arrivals and generate USD639 million in revenue in 2015.
The tourism ministry is preparing for the integration with ASEAN Economic Community that should smooth travel and connectivity between member countries, now a major target to attract tourists and build investment opportunities.
This has given the government confidence to forecast the country will receive 4 million and earn USD639 million in revenues next year. Last year, tourist arrivals reached 3.7 million and revenue USD595 million.
Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea, US, France, Japan, UK, Australia and Germany are the top 10 source markets.
More than 620 out of 1,916 tourist sites were inaugurated last year. Approximately more than 1,000 tourist sites have yet to be developed. Among them, 20 tourist sites have been classified as national tourist sites, which have been approved by the government.
Almost 300 tour companies with 75 branches, 491 hotels, over 1,800 guesthouses, more than 1,700 restaurants and 168 entertainment places make up the tourism industry, according to the tourism ministry’s data.

sourced:ttrweekly.com