2 million expected to visit Laos this year - Lao Voices

(KPL) The National Tourism Administration has expected that there would be over two million foreigners visiting Laos this year despite the global economic crisis, natural disaster and political unrest in Thailand.

Mr Somphong Moungkhonvilay, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office, and President said last Friday that Laos has potential of tourist market with abundance of natural, cultural, and historical tourist sites.

Mr. Somphong also said that there were many reasons to help explain why foreigners would like to visit Laos and these were peace, safety, friendly hospitality of Lao people, and the introduction of tourist sites and the organization of festive activities to promote tourism across the country.

Mr. Somphong also said that the protection of environment and tourist sites as well as the facilitation of tourists of local officials are important to attract an increased number of visitors to the country.

One point seven million foreigners visited Laos last year. However, in recent weeks, due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland the visitors from Europe are declined in number, especially the number of visitors traveling in groups.

Source: KPL Lao News Agency
April 26, 2010