New ecotourism attraction to open in Champassak

A new ecotourism destination will open in Champassak province next month under the name ‘Treetop Explorer’, giving visitors the opportunity to fly between the treetops on a zip line, amongst other activities. Located in Nongluang village, Pakxong district, the new adventure facility will help build the province’s reputation and generate income for locals, a tourist official said.

Director of the travel operator Green Discovery, Mr Inthy Deuansavanh, said that after early preparation and development the new attraction would officially open for visitors in the middle of December. “As a sustainable tourist attraction focusing on natural conservation, the destination will be another option for visitors wanting to enjoy interesting activities in the province,” Mr Inthy said.

One of the other activities on offer to visitors is trekking, which is already very popular in other areas of Laos, particularly Luang Prabang province. Champassak province is already popular with Thai visitors, who come to see its waterfalls in particular. The new eco-tourism area encompasses four impressive waterfalls

“Those who have been to this area have said that one of the waterfalls here is the most beautiful in the country, so the waterfalls will be a highlight of this area. Visitors will be able to access them by travelling on the zip line,” Mr Inthy said.

Local villagers will benefit from the development of the area for tourism because there will be opportunities for employment as tour guides and a maintenance fund whereby the National Protected Area office receives money from visitors for conservation purposes. Green Discovery has worked with a local village to develop the project, but plans to extend it to nearby villages. Mr Inthy is confident the project will be established as a must-see destination within two years.

Champassak province already offers a variety of ecotourism attractions and activities, including the Xe Pian National Protected Area, considered the second most important biodiversity conservation area in Laos. Here visitors can take half-day elephant rides at Kiat Ngong village, amongst other attractions.

While the natural environment in many countries is threatened by climate change and human activities, a large part of Laos’ appeal to foreign visitors lies in its relatively unt ouched natural beauty. Therefore it is vital that new tourism initiatives are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Definitions of ecotourism vary around the world, but Laos has defined the concept as responsible tourism which helps to promote and conserve nature and culture.