(KPL) Tourism authorities have completed an assessment of Viengxay, Houaphanh Province, for its candidacy as an ASEAN Clean Tourist City in 2026. The evaluation, carried out from November 15 to 16 by an ASEAN Tourism Standards Committee under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, examined key areas including tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, local handicraft shops, public waste facilities, transport hubs, and other infrastructure.

Ms. Phonemany Soukhathamavong, Head of the Planning and Tourism Development Division, said the ASEAN Tourism Standards were introduced in 2008, starting with the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, and have since expanded to include seven categories. These range from spa and homestay standards to clean tourist cities and sustainable tourism awards. Laos has been a consistent participant in the programme, receiving more than 100 awards since its inception.

For 2026, four awards will be granted: the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard, ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award, and ASEAN MICE Venue Standard. Assessments are underway across multiple Lao cities, including Pakse, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Viengxay, and Kaysone Phomvihane.

Viengxay, which previously won the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award in 2022, is reported to have met this year’s criteria during the field assessment. However, a final score is still being calculated to determine if it will be one of the three cities selected in 2026.

KPL