Vientiane, Laos – Laos has set an ambitious goal to attract at least 4.6 million visitors and generate approximately 700 million USD in revenue during the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign. The initiative was officially launched in Vientiane on November 23, with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone leading the opening ceremony. The Prime Minister emphasized that the campaign coincides with Laos’ tenure as the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), offering a unique opportunity to showcase the nation’s rich culture and traditions to a global audience. He expressed confidence that the tourism drive would provide unforgettable experiences to visitors, encouraging them to return to Laos in the future.
According to Vietnam News Agency, Culture and Tourism, the Visit Laos Year 2024, themed ‘A Paradise of Lao Culture, Nature and History,’ will feature 79 activities across the country. The government views tourism as a key sector for environmentally sustainable economic growth and a vital tool for national economic recovery. Recent statistics indicate a significant uptick in tourism, with Laos welcoming over 2.4 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2023, a 285% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.