Latest news with #SoudaphoneKhomthavong
The Star
11-08-2025
- The Star
Scenic Ngoy district steps up competition for Luang Prabang tourists
A view of Phou Phadeng mountain and the Nam Ou River in Ngoy district, Luang Prabang province. - VT VIENTIANE: Ngoy district in the north of Luang Prabang province plans to upgrade infrastructure, facilities, and accommodation in a bid to attract more visitors and become the province's second most popular tourist destination after the Unesco World Heritage Site in the provincial capital. A meeting held in Ngoy district on Aug 6-7 shared ideas on the draft of the Ngoy tourism development, promotion and protection plan, covering the years 2026-2030. The gathering was co-chaired by the Director of the Luang Prabang provincial Culture and Tourism Department, Dr Soudaphone Khomthavong, and the Acting Governor of Ngoy district, Dr Somsanith Kaenmani. The talks were an important step towards finalising the plan, which will guide the district's tourism growth with the goal of making Ngoy a leading nature-based destination. The consultation brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to contribute ideas for inclusion in the plan. District authorities will prioritise improvements to infrastructure, facilities and services to ensure visitors have a memorable experience. The plan also includes efforts to comply with Asean tourism standards, with a particular focus on the Asean green hotel standard, to raise the quality and sustainability of services. An official in charge of the scheme, who asked not to be named, told the Vientiane Times that Ngoy is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, with dramatic mountains, rivers flowing between limestone peaks, and mist-shrouded valleys. Popular activities include climbing Phou Pha Daeng and Pha Xom Nang mountains at sunrise to enjoy panoramic views of the sea of mist that forms in the valleys below, and visiting the historic Pha Thok cave. Boat trips along the Ou River to the old Ngoy community - a village where visitors can experience the local lifestyle through home-stays - are another highlight, along with rafting tours. Authorities hope that by preserving its pristine landscapes and improving services, Ngoy can secure its place as a top ecotourism destination in northern Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos' Luang Prabang surges past tourism goals with over 1.1 million visitors, fuelling economic growth
VIENTIANE (Loatian Times): Luang Prabang experienced a tourism boom in the first quarter of the year, generating US$584,665,369 million in revenue, marking a 162 per cent increase in tourist numbers compared to the same period last year. Between January and March, the province welcomed 1,167,581 visitors, including 459,091 domestic travellers and 708,490 international tourists. This represents a significant increase of 722,679 visitors year-over-year, according to Soudaphone Khomthavong, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department. In 2024, Luang Prabang saw a total of over 2.3 million tourists, far exceeding its original target of 900,000. This influx played a key role in driving the province's GDP to LAK 3,989 billion (approximately US$183 million), with an average income of US$1,897 per person. The province continues to focus on development in key areas such as education, infrastructure, and tourism. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the province, a meeting was held on April 21 at the Luang Prabang Military Command to address the shortage of teachers and improve educational outcomes. The session focused on identifying key challenges in human resource development and exploring practical solutions to support workforce growth across multiple sectors. In February, Luang Prabang was officially declared a 'poverty-free' and 'comprehensively strong' city, reflecting significant strides in regional development. -- Laotian Times
