(KPL) The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) hosted the ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards 2025 ceremony on February 5, recognizing outstanding achievements in the tourism sector across Lao PDR. The prestigious awards were presented to government agencies, businesses, and local community enterprises that successfully met ASEAN tourism standards.

The awards were conferred by Mrs. Suansavanh Viyaket, Minister of MICT, in the presence of deputy ministers, department heads, deputy directors, and provincial representatives from across the country.

Mrs. Phonmaly Inthaphom, Director General of the Tourism Development Department of MICT, provided an overview of the progress made in implementing ASEAN tourism standards in Lao PDR. She emphasized the crucial role of national and provincial leadership, as well as the collaboration between government agencies, businesses, international organizations, and development partners. Financial backing from the Lao government and infrastructure development projects have further reinforced these efforts.

This marks the second time the ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards have been presented in Lao PDR. A total of 28 awards were distributed across four categories: ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Standard, ASEAN Spa Services Standard, and ASEAN Public Toilet Standard.

In the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Standard category, notable award recipients included Ban Nadouang (Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province), Ban Don Kho (Sanasomboun District, Champasak Province), Ban Don Daeng (Pathoumphone District, Champasak Province), Ban Nong Luang (Pakxong District, Champasak Province), and Ban Na Yang (Nambak District, Luang Prabang Province).

These awards underscore Lao PDR's ongoing commitment to fostering high-quality, sustainable tourism practices in alignment with ASEAN standards.

KPL