Ounethouang Khaophanh: Full recovery of tourism requires close international cooperation and innovation in market-based products and services
Editor's note: On September 15, The "International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference and Dialogue among World Famous Mountains 2023" opened in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province. Gathering over 200 participants, including IMTA members, renowned international organizations, relevant national cultural and tourism departments, leaders and officials from Guizhou Province, professional tourism organizations and enterprises, world-famous mountain and mountain tourism destination institutions, media and other esteemed guests. The Conference was themed with "Mountain Tourism Resource Innovation and Destination Construction." Simultaneously, the Dialogue among World Famous Mountains explored the theme "World Famous Mountains Empower the Wellness of Mountain Tourism." Discussions revolved around cutting-edge strategies for mountain resource protection, innovative utilization, and development, fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.
Ounethouang Khaophanh, Vice Minister of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR, presented at the Annual Conference and delivered a speech.
The following is the full text of the speech:
First and foremost, it is my great honor and pleasure to attend the International Mountain Tourism Alliance Annual Conference 2023 and its related Meetings, which is being held in Guizhou Province, a beautiful and dynamic city of People’s Republic of China under the theme “Mountain Tourism Resource Innovation and Destination Construction”.
On behalf of the Lao delegation, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the government of People’s Republic of Chian, especially the Guizhou Provincial as well as People’s Government of Qianxinan Buyi & Miao Autonomous Prefecture for excellent arrangements and the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to our delegation.
International Mountain Tourism Alliance Annual Conference 2023
Source: International Mountain Tourism Alliance
In this Regard, I would also like to congratulate upon the fruitful outcome of the 2023 International Mountain Tourism Day under the theme “Enjoy the Wonder of Mountains, Share the Beautiful of Life, Revitalize the Tourism Industry” held at Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR since 29 May 2023. Events organized for International Mountain Tourism Day included an exhibition of mountain tourism activities, handicrafts and other Lao tourism products.
2023 "International Mountain Tourism Day" theme activity
Source: International Mountain Tourism Alliance
The Government of Lao PDR has prioritized the tourism as one of major economic sectors in the national socio-economic strategic plan by focusing on cultural, historical and natural tourism policy in order to attract international tourists to visit Lao included Chinese tourist and investors to the Lao PDR. The Lao government has developed more infrastructures, tourism from the north to the south in connecting with neighboring countries and developed tourism products focus on community-based tourism and eco-tourism corridor in the purpose to reduce property for Lao multi-ethnic people and sustainable socio-economic development.
Vang Vieng, Laos
Source: Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao PDR
The year 2023 marks the year of reshaping world tourism, the full recovery of tourism requires close cooperation and innovative ideas, business patterns, products and services has been oriented by the market source among that during the 2023 International Mountain Tourism Day, we highlighted that the “protecting mountain resources, preserving mountain civilization, and promoting mountain economy to the benefit of the people living in mountainous regions” will be significant rule for our revitalizing tourism and creating a bright future together.
I strongly believe that today’s event would serve as a platform for us to exchange information and move forwards sustainable tourism as a whole toward fast-approaching future opportunities and promoting world-famous mountain tourism destinations since Lao PDR has many mountains tourist attraction such as: the rock view located in Khammouan Province, Pha Thee of Huaphanh Province, Pha Daeng of Luang Prabang Province.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Source: Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao PDR
In 2022, Lao PDR received more than 1.2 million international arrivals, while the first 6 months of 2023 reached more than 1.6 million international visitors. Chinese tourist become top 5 of international tourist arrival.
In 2024, Lao PDR will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) during 22-27 January 2024 in Vientiane Capital in conjunction with Launching the Visit Lao Year 2024 to attract more international tourist as well as to host Laos tourism activities and the quality of service up to international standard. In addition more infrastructure, tourism facilities and several tourism products to be further develop to serve as accommodate tourist.
I wish excellencies, delegate, guests ladies and gentlemen, good health and great success. Taking this opportunity, I would like to cordially invite you to visit Laos and attend the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
