Laos builds botanical gardens

VIENTIANE Vientiane tourism authorities are planning to open a botanical garden to boost attractions for both tourists and residents in the capital city.

Lao News Agency reported on the official opening ceremony for the new botanical garden held late last week.

The site covers 15 hectares located in Dansy village, Naxaythong district of Vientiane. 

Credit Lao News Agency

Information, Culture and Tourism deputy minister, Boua-ngeun Saphouvong, was quoted saying the botanical garden will become a new tourist attraction for visitors.

But residents will appreciate having a new recreational area to take their families  in addition to parkland on the banks of the Mekong River.

The garden is part of project to educate the general public to protect forests and give people the opportunity to experience nature in the capital city, he said.

The number of international tourists visiting Laos decreased by 10% from over 4.68 million in 2015 to 4.2 million last year.

Critics say the country lacks tourist attractions relying almost exclusively on the appeal of Luang Prabang a World Heritage town. Others suggest that Laos should not focus on tourist arrivals, or attempt to emulate Thailand’s success as a mass tourism destination. It should monitor success by the length of stay, revenue earned from tourism and offer a range of quality travel experiences focused on eco-tourism, culture and nature.

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