Laos tourism targets affluent Thai visitors
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Laotian and Thai tourism officials have discussed strategies to encourage big-spending Thai tourists to extend their stays in Laos, says the Lao Tourism Association.
Officials from the two countries’ tourism associations as well as industry operators from both countries met recently in Vientiane to share experiences and information on the tourism industry in their respective nations.
The meeting was led by Saly Phimphinith, director-general of the Laotian Tourism Promotion Department. The participants reviewed previous tourism information and marketing efforts as well as discussed development of more convenient tourism links in the future.
Attendees from both Laos and Thailand agreed to carry on investigating ways to improve connections from north to south and vice versa, aiming to encourage high-end Thai tourists to visit Laos and stay for longer periods.
They also agreed to promote smoother tourism transport in both countries for mutual benefit leading up to the Asean Economic Community next year.
The meeting heard that in 2013, more than 2 million Thai tourists visited Laos, which is similar to the number of Lao tourists recorded visiting Thailand last year.
Particular attention was paid by both sides to the important role played by the nine international border checkpoints, with the four Friendship Bridges being the busiest for traffic.
