Huaphan prepares for ‘Visit Laos Year 2018’
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) – Authorities in Huaphan plan to improve access to more than 50 tourist sites in the province as part of preparations for Visit Laos Year 2018.
Deputy Director of the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Phouvanh Phetmixay, told Vientiane Times yesterday that a plan had been sent to the provincial administration office for the development of infrastructure at 15 sites of natural beauty, 25 cultural attractions and 13 sites of historical interest.
The proposed improvements are aimed at providing better services for the 60,000 tourists who are expected to visit the province next year.
“The plan aims to celebrate Visit Laos Year as people throughout the country will be participating in this event in 2018,” he said.
Besides improving infrastructure such as roads, the Visit Laos Year programme will be widely advertised through the media and billboards.
Phouvong said his department needs more than US$ 24,154 to promote tourism and a proposal for this amount has been submitted to the provincial governor for consideration.
He noted that some tourist sites are already popular among visitors to the province.
According to the Information, Culture and Tourism Department, there were about 52,000 tourist arrivals in the province in 2016. Most of them came from Vietnam, China, Europe, the United States, and Canada.
Most tourists come to Huaphan to visit historical sites in Viengxay district, such as the caves that housed and protected President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, Nouhak Phoumsavanh and Khamtay Siphandone and other Politburo members.
Tourists also like to observe the lifestyle of the Thai Dam and Thai Daeng ethnic groups. Many buy silk handicrafts as souvenirs.
Nam-add and the Phouleuy Forest Conservation Area are scenic attractions that also draw visitors.
Huaphan has more than 50 hotels and guesthouses, with more than 1,200 beds. Phouvong said the department has encouraged hotels, guesthouses and restaurants to provide good services and ensure food safety.
“They should ensure that visitors enjoy their stay in Huaphan province. This will encourage them to return in the future,” he said.
Phouvong added that if people visit Huaphan during Visit Laos Year 2018, they can also enjoy the 50th anniversary of Viengxay district’s liberation and
