Attracting one million Chinese tourists ‘achievable’: report 
 
Meeting the target to draw one million Chinese tourists to Laos in 2019 is achievable, according to a report.
Efforts to achieve this ambitious target are being boosted by various promotion campaigns undertaken by Lao and Chinese authorities during the course of Visit Laos-China Year 2019.
The report obtained byVientiane Times was presented at the government monthly meeting for May, when the cabinet endorsed the report.
So far this year 259,205 Chinese tourists have visited Laos – an increase of 16 percent compared to the same period last year. This figure is encouraging for the prospects of reaching the one million mark for the whole of the year.
The government has allocated 5 billion kip to fund its tourism promotion campaign.
Activities undertaken so far include the official launch of Visit Laos-China Year 2019 in Vientiane.
The grand event featured stage shows by Lao and Chinese performing arts troupes, a food fair and a photo exhibition showcasing the best of Laos’ and China’s characteristics and landmarks.
The largest group of Chinese to visit Laos this year consisted of 1,000 people who came to Vientiane in April. Among other activities they watched cultural shows at the Don Chan Palace hotel.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism took a troupe of Lao entertainers to perform in Fuzhou in China’s Fujian province during a state visit to China by President Bounnhang Vorachit from April 24-May 1.
A delegation from the ministry also attended the Asian Culture and Tourism Exhibition in Beijing from May 14-17 where Laos’ cultural and tourism highlights were showcased.
Lao Airlines in collaboration with its Chinese aviation partners held meetings to discuss ways to promote Laos-China tourism. A direct flight between Vientiane and Shanghai has been launched to make travel easier for holiday-makers and business operators.
In a bid to attract more visitors from China and beyond, more colourful activities are planned for the rest of the year.
Lao authorities in collaboration with their Chinese counterparts are hosting Chinese Cultural Week in Vientiane to mark the 58th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties. Taking place from May 30–June 3, the event will feature performances by Chinese entertainers and a tourism product fair.
The two sides are also organising a seminar on best practices in tourism management, which will take place in Champassak province in June or July.
Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to welcome a Chinese car rally that will pass through Laos in August and continue on to Cambodia.
Lao authorities will also work with the Chinese to organise a moon cake festival in Vientiane and in Luang Prabang province in September. The festival will feature cultural performances by a troupe from China’s Hubei province.
A Chinese food festival is also planned for Laos in November when visitors can experience the glories of Chinese cuisine.
In China, five activities are planned to promote tourism.
Lao and Chinese authorities will organise Lao Cultural Week in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. This event will feature a cultural show and a Lao food and tourism product fair.
Another Lao Cultural Week is planned for Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where a seminar to promote tourism will also be held. The dates for these two events have yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Lao authorities are attending the annual tourism forum of Mekong countries and related meetings from May 26-28 in China’s Yunnan province.
Officials from Laos will also participate in a seminar in Yunnan from June 9-18 to share lessons learnt on human resources in the field of tourism.
To better promote tourism in Laos, the report underlined the need for the continued development of tourist attractions and infrastructure, and to diversify tourism activities and products.
It has been suggested that the high cost of living in Laos, lack of direct flights to many target destinations or countries, delays at border crossings, and multiple checks along roads and at tourist sites have hampered the tourism promotion effort. 

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
(Latest Update May 27, 2019)