The strategy was presented during the 10th ordinary session of the fourth legislature of the Vientiane People’s Council on December 16. Ms Viengphone Keokounsy, head of the Department of Culture and Tourism, responded to questions from National Assembly members and members of the Vientiane People’s Council.
Ms Viengphone said the department has been working closely with central authorities to promote tourism and attract visitors.

A key focus has been monitoring and inspecting restaurants, hotels and other accommodation facilities to ensure service standards and fair pricing.
She said parallel efforts are under way to improve cultural, natural and historical tourist sites, many of which already attract both domestic and international visitors.
At present, Vientiane has 89 recognised tourist sites, including 44 cultural sites, 26 natural sites and 17 historical sites. There are also nine national-level heritage sites.
Ms Viengphone said village- and community-based tourism is expanding, with local communities involved in site management and revenue collection. These include national heritage sites such as Wat Sisaket, Wat Nong Khamsen and Wat Palelay.
Water-based tourism is developing around the Nam Ngum Bridge area in Xaythany district, while further potential exists along the Mekong River.
She noted that tourism products are becoming more diverse and are sold through shops and outlets across the city, although there are not yet dedicated, centralised souvenir markets.
Night tourism and future priorities
Looking ahead, Ms Viengphone said future development will focus on expanding night-time tourism linked to well-known markets, including Khuadin Market. Other priorities include clean agricultural tourism and promoting shops selling Lao-made products and souvenirs.
The department also plans to organise more festivals, exhibitions and major city- and national-level events. Support will be provided to businesses and artisans producing tourism-related goods and services.
She said existing tourist sites would be encouraged to upgrade facilities in line with guidelines from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and ASEAN tourism standards.
Ms Viengphone added that authorities are working to modernise revenue collection at national heritage sites and strengthen tourism marketing through improved information services. Surveys and registration of ancient temples, as well as natural and historical sites, are under way to propose additional locations for national heritage status.
Tourism companies will also be encouraged to develop tour programmes more closely linked with local production and service businesses, with the aim of ensuring broader economic benefits for communities in and around Vientiane.

KPL