VIENTIANE : Vientiane province hopes to earn 100 billion kip from tourism revenue this year, up from the 95.4 billion kip recorded last year, according to the Lao Economic Daily.

The province is eager to benefit from the resurgence of tourism following the lifting of Covid-related travel restrictions and is actively working to improve products and services.

Increased revenue would help to alleviate poverty in the province and boost overall economic development.

The province’s Department of Information, Culture and Tourism aims to attract a minimum of 400,000 tourists this year and plans to give full support to businesses providing tourist accommodation and operating visitor attractions and services.

A senior official at the department, Sengaloun Vilayvong, said that last year 318,808 people vacationed in Vientiane province, including 230,865 Lao nationals, generated total income of about 95.4 billion kip.

There are currently 407 hotels and guesthouses in the province and this figure is expected to rise to 436 in the near future, comprising 56 hotels, 340 guesthouses, and 40 resorts.

The number of rooms is set to rise from 8,051 to 8,212 and the number of restaurants is expected to increase to 498.

Meanwhile, the number of tourist services is expected to increase from 65 to 79, including tour guide services, kayaking, zip-lines, and nature-based activities.

In all, the province plans to increase the total number of tourist service facilities from 238 to 250 by the end of this year.

Provincial authorities are carrying out developments with a view to achieving higher standards and following a green growth policy, while improving the quality of life for local people through augmented incomes and overall economic and social development.

  - ANN