Laos fails to attract top-end tourists



Laos is attracting only a small proportion of visitors at the high end of the tourist market, according to the President of the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr Somphong Mongkhonvilay.

The number of visitors to Laos reached almost one million during the first nine months of this year, a 21 percent increase over the same period last year, he said last week in an interview at his office in Vientiane.

But the more well-off tourists were spending less time and money in Laos than in neighbouring countries, Mr Somphong said.

“This category of tourist stays in Laos for six days on average and spends about US$1,000 per person,” said Mr Somphong, who is also Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.

Visitors to Laos can be generally divided into two kinds - backpackers and comfort tourists. This latter group, which make up about 20 percent of tourist arrivals, travel to Laos with the aid of tour companies, choose to stay in luxury hotels and spend a lot on meals, mainly in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, he said.

“But the number of these tourists remains relatively low because tour operators are not promoting Laos among overseas travel agents,” said Mr Somphong.

There are currently 106 tour companies in Laos, according to the administration.

“But our policy is not to focus only on the luxury market, but also on backpackers, who form a very important group,” he said. “Of course, we welcome all visitors to Laos.”

He explained that the increasing number of tourists is the result of the government's opening of the borders to the wider world, and the social and political stability of the country.

“It's also the result of tourism promotions throughout the region and the world, by both state and private sectors,” he said, adding that Laos was becoming an increasingly well-known destination for visitors from Asia, Europe and the Americas.

It is now easier than ever to enter and travel within the country, with improved transportation and more overseas airlines operating routes to the country's main cities.

There have also been improvements in facilities and public services as well as tourism infrastructure, along with more visa exemption agreements within the region; Laos has such agreements with eight Asean countries as well as Japan, Mongolia and Russia.

The administration expects the country to receive more than 1.2 million visitors this year.

Source: Vientianetimes



Visitor numbers to Vientiane climb 11%, while Luang Prabang arrivals leap 32%.

The Laos National Administration of Tourism reported an increase in tourist arrivals at the country’s two major destinations. The capital Vientiane climbed 11% in the first nine months of the year, while Luang Prabang visitor numbers jumped 32% in the first 10 months.

LNAT reported that from January to September this year, Vientiane arrivals at Wattay International Airport and the Friendship Bridge reached 545,291 for an 11% increase over the 490,345 visitors recorded during the same period last year.

Of these figures, arrivals from Thailand climbed 15% to reach 355,085. Vietnam posted a similar performance, but on a much smaller base. Visitor numbers for the nine-month period stand at 45,124 compared to the 39,216 arrivals recorded in 2006.

According to LNAT, total arrivals to Vientiane from Europe fell 3% from last year to land at 51,032. France , the top-ranked European market stumbled 7% to 13,524 followed by the UK with a 9% decrease to 10,375. Germany eased ahead 1% to reach 6,434.

Arrivals to Luang Prabang during January to October this year soared 32% to 36,981 over last year’s 28,087. Europe markets also turned in a positive performance with a 36% leap. LNAT reported there were 16,346 total arrivals from Europe this year.

UK was the top European market with a 39% jump over last year’s 2,890 arrivals to reach 4,010. France climbed 24% from 2,276 to 2,820 arrivals, while Germany increased 9% from 2,383 to 2,184 arrivals.

Arrivals from Thailand to Luang Prabang topped the list with 6,285 on a 1% drop from last year’s 6,361.

Source: http://www.ettrdaily.com/index.asp?id=31665&nav=21