(KPL) The Ministry of Culture and Tourism convened a national meeting on April 6–7 to assess the sector’s performance in 2025 and define strategic priorities for 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Suansavanh Vignaket and attended by deputy ministers and provincial department heads, both in person and via virtual platforms.

Officials reported progress in tourism infrastructure, including the completion of a 32-kilometer upgrade of the western ring road along the Nam Song River and improved access to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall in Vang Vieng.

Additional upgrades were carried out at the Nam Ngum 1 Reservoir, alongside improvements to waste management facilities. A total of 326 bilingual tourism information signs were installed across four priority provinces to enhance visitor accessibility.

Ongoing projects include the upgrading of 11 access roads in Vang Vieng and the construction of a tourist boat pier in the Don Det area of Champassak Province.

The ministry updated the national tourism inventory, bringing the total number of identified tourism sites to 2,199 nationwide.

The government also approved a long-term Tourism Development Master Plan (2026–2036) covering key priority zones, including Nam Ngum 1 in Vientiane Province and the Nakasang–Don Det–Don Khon corridor in Champassak Province.

In parallel, draft plans are being developed for the sustainable management of Luang Prabang, as well as a broader National Tourism Development Plan for 2026–2030.

Guidance from Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone underscored the importance of ensuring effective implementation of the 2026 action plan.

KPL