(KPL) Lao and Russian companies have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance tourism exchange and facilitate the movement of tourists between the two nations.

The signing ceremony took place on November 4, 2024, in Vientiane, establishing a partnership between Champa Mai Development Tourism Company and the Association of Tourism Companies of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. The agreement was signed by Ms. Sonethida Ounaphom, President of Champa Mai Development Tourism Company, and Mr. Ramil Miftakhov, President of the Association of Tourism Companies, State Committee of the Republic of Tatarstan Tourism.

The event was witnessed by Ms. Dalani Phommavongsa, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of the Lao PDR, along with the Chair of the Tourism Committee of Tatarstan and leaders from relevant ministries and provincial sectors, as well as representatives from both the public and private sectors of Laos and Russia.

Ms. Sonethida Ounaphom noted that this cooperation agreement will pave the way for new tourism initiatives, including the development of a fish farm, and will foster a robust exchange of tourists between Laos and Tatarstan. She highlighted that Russian tourists are known for being high-quality, high-spending travelers, with a growing interest in ASEAN countries. 

In 2022, 4,410 Russian tourists visited Laos, and this number rose sharply to 44,345 in 2023, reflecting Russia's commitment to expanding tourism ties with the Lao PDR.

This partnership aims to harness the tourism potential of both countries through a mutual exchange of visitors, contributing significantly to bilateral tourism cooperation. Both nations envision that this collaboration will not only strengthen their economies but also promote cultural exchange, mutual learning, and deeper understanding between the peoples of Laos and Russia.

KPL