(KPL) The Lao PDR will host the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, related meetings and the 42nd ASEAN Tourism Expo in Vientiane between Jan 22-27, 2024.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh said the government and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, in particular, has made a comprehensive preparation for the event, including by establishing 13 sub committees comprising representatives of relevant ministries and sectors, and signing an agreement with ASEANTA to co host ASEAN Tourism Expo.

Since joining ASEAN in July 1997, Laos has hosted ASEAN Tourism Forum ( ATF) twice : 2004 and 2013.

ATF 2024 will be held under the theme “Quality and Responsible Tourism: Sustaining ASEAN's Future.” The event has been touted by organizers as 'an event by the industry, for the industry'. “ATF 2024 will be an event by the industry, for the industry.

“The Lao PDR’s hosting of ATF 2024 would be a significant event, as it will raise the role of the Lao PDR in the international arena, making Laos’ tourism recognized in the regional and international arena, popularizing the Party and government policy on socio-economic development, and promoting the Lao PDR’s cooperation with other ASEAN member countries, dialogue partners and international organizations thus realizing ASEAN Tourism Strategy 2021-2025,” said the minister.

On the sidelines of the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, there will be ASEAN Tourism Expo, a key platform for tourism buyers and sellers from around the world thus providing a golden opportunity for Lao tourism entrepreneurs to have a direct access to target tourism markets and secure tourism deals, according to the minister.

KPL