Laos' tourism industry sees strong recovery with over 2.3 million foreign visitors in the first seven months of 2024, generating US$700 million in revenue.
Tourism in Laos is making a remarkable recovery, with more than 2.3 million foreign visitors flocking to the country in the first seven months of 2024. This marks an 18% increase compared to the same period last year and has generated over US$700 million in revenue, according to the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mrs. Darany Phommavongsa.

In addition to the foreign tourist influx, domestic tourism is also on the rise. More than 2 million Lao tourists explored their own country during this period, representing a staggering 78% increase. This surge in local tourism contributed over US$332 million to the national economy.

Mrs. Darany shared these insights at the launch of a national tour guide training course in Vientiane. The course, which runs from September 9 to November 29, aims to equip 89 participants with the necessary skills to meet the growing demands of Laos' burgeoning tourism sector. The training program offers instruction in multiple languages, including English, Thai, Chinese, Korean, French, Vietnamese, and Spanish, ensuring that the country can cater to a diverse range of international visitors.

Preparing for Tourism Growth
The resurgence of tourism in Laos comes as a relief after the Covid-19 pandemic brought the industry to a standstill. Tourism-related businesses have regained confidence and are expanding their operations, with a focus on green tourism and increasing local community involvement.

However, despite the positive outlook, a shortage of skilled workers, particularly tour guides, is becoming evident. Mrs. Darany emphasized the need for more qualified personnel to support the growing industry. The current training course aims to address this issue by preparing tour guides who are knowledgeable about Laos' cultural, historical, and religious sites, while also upholding high ethical standards and providing excellent service to visitors.

By producing a new cohort of skilled tour guides, the course hopes to ensure that visitors to Laos have memorable experiences, encouraging them to return and recommend the country to others.

Boosting Tourism During Visit Laos Year 2024
In an effort to attract even more tourists, Laos is ramping up its preparations for Visit Laos Year 2024. To this end, the government has introduced visa-free entry for tourists from select countries. Additionally, the duration of stays for visitors from these countries has been extended. These new rules, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, and will remain in place until December 31, aim to make travel to Laos more convenient and enticing for international tourists.

As the country continues its steady recovery, the growth in both international and domestic tourism signals a promising future for Laos’ travel sector.