Demand drops for Lao Airlines' Savannakhet to Bangkok flight

In January and February, the average number of passengers on this flight was 690 people, but from March this figure has decreased, Lao Airlines Marketing Manager Mr Sithideth Douangsith told Vientiane Times yesterday.

He said most customers are tourists and investors in Savannakhet, as well as people in transit to and from Vietnam.Mr Sithideth said a drop in passenger numbers is typical once the tourism high season from October to February draws to an end.

“This flight is available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and we plan to add more flights on Mondays during the next high season,” he said.Savannakhet has many tourist attractions, which each year draw more foreigners and Lao people to the province, as well as investors.

In 2009, about 500,000 tourists from neighbouring countries visited Savannakhet province, while last year the figure rose to 800,000, and it is expected to increase again this year, according to the provincial Tourism Department.

Most tourists visiting the province are either Thai or Vietnamese, who are drawn to the peace and tranquility, beautiful scenery and traditional customs on offer, said department Director Ms Bounmy Khantivong.

The number of restaurants, guesthouses and hotels is increasing, and service standards are improving, Ms Bounmy said, adding that more new buildings are being constructed to accommodate the tourism boom.

She said that although it is now the low season for tourism, the province is still welcoming many visitors, including those in transit to and from Vietnam.Thai tourists wishing to visit Vietnam must often spend time in transit in the province, with many choosing to take this time to explore some of its sights.

Savannakhet has constantly pursued an open door policy regarding tourism investment in a bid to attract more local and foreign investment based on the province’s natural, historical and cultural potential.The province is accelerating its development of tourist attractions, welcoming cooperation and investment along the East-West Economic Corridor.

The authorities of Savannakhet province last month convened a meeting on cooperation and tourism investment among the three countries of the East-West Economic Corridor – Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.The meeting aimed at conducting a feasibility study on tourism investment in the region, highlighting Savannakhet province as an area of great tourist potential and an important travel route.

In addition, the Savan-Seno Special Economic Zone has seen several domestic and international companies setting up businesses there.Several other companies from Asian countries are interested in investing in the zone but will conduct feasibility studies first.

Source = laovoices