(KPL) Vientiane Province has set an ambitious goal for 2025: to attract 1.3 million tourists and generate over 782 billion kip in revenue. This target, developed jointly with the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism, aims to draw both domestic and international visitors to the region.

In an October 24 interview with the Lao News Agency, Mr. Sisavad Sengphachanh, head of the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism, highlighted that by September 2024, Vientiane Province had already welcomed 1,031,756 tourists, including 281,891 international visitors. This marked an increase of 366,917 tourists compared to the same period in 2023, leading to a revenue boost of 707 billion kip, or 489 billion kip higher than last year.

Tourism is seen as a key driver for economic growth in Vientiane Province, fostering local economic activity, increasing foreign currency circulation, and creating job opportunities in both urban and rural communities. Efforts to expand cooperation regionally and internationally focus on promoting natural, historical, cultural, and agricultural tourism.

Currently, Vientiane Province offers 211 managed tourist sites, including 180 natural, 22 cultural, and nine historical locations, with 60 sites actively developed for public access. The province provides 45 hotels, 28 resorts, 365 guesthouses, 377 restaurants, 34 entertainment venues, 55 travel agencies, and 73 tourism service providers to accommodate growing visitor numbers.

As part of Laos' 2024 "Year of Tourism" campaign, Vientiane Province has seen a significant increase in visitors compared to 2023. Building on this momentum, the province is poised to reach its 2025 target, supported by its scenic landscapes, historical sites, rich cultural heritage, and agricultural attractions.

KPL