Three provinces singled out for tourism development

The Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) has selected three provinces as priority destinations to promote tourism and livelihoods at the grassroots level.The LNTA has chosen three specific sites within the provinces – Viengxay district in Huaphan province, Vangvieng district in Vientiane province, and Siphandone (4000 Islands) in Khong district, Champassak province – to be developed and promoted due to their enormous tourism potential.

LNTA Vice Chairman Soukaseum Bodhisane said the administration is carrying out surveys in these provinces, which are expected to be complete in 2015. “These three provinces have different types of tourism potential in terms of their historic, natural and cultural interest. If we are able to develop these sites as tourist attractions by 2015 it will not only benefit local economies but also help to reduce poverty,” he said.

The LNTA has sent a feasibility study to the government for consideration and is positive it will be approved so long as their project is seen to engage local communities, especially villagers in rural areas. The project will help villagers access better infrastructure, especially in the Siphandone area, where significant improvements to transportation, electricity and water supply are envisaged. “Our main concern is to work with communities, and it is our aim to provide villagers with the skills to promote tourism and protect the environment.”

LNTA is aware that the scope of the project calls for a large budget, but it will be worth it so long as villagers and the environment benefit. In order to achieve the goals, Mr Soukaseum urged the tourism sectors in each province to work closely together. “It won’t be easy for us to accomplish the set goals. We have to begin to promote sustainable tourism, as well as deal with anti-social behaviour that paints a negative image of the provinces,” he said.

Mr Soukaseum added that the provinces need to prioritise the stamping out of anti-social behaviour before concentrating on attracting tourists. In addition, each province has its own weaknesses, he said, explaining that Viengxay, for example, is home to spectacular caves with extensive history, but the tourism sector has not been active enough in its promotion of the sites.

It is for such reasons that the project has been designed to boost the tourism industry, he said. Siphandone is one of the preeminent tourist attractions in Southeast Asia, as it offers ideal imagery and natural surroundings. Viengxay is well-known for its historical significance as Lao leaders once set up their base there to fight against foreign invaders, while Vangvieng is also a popular natural beauty spot.

Source=laovoices