Luang Namtha eyes more Chinese tourists

Authorities in Luang Namtha province have set a target of attracting one million Chinese tourists in 2024 as the region is now fully connected to southern China by the Laos-China Railway.

This waterfall is one of many interesting tourism attractions in Luang Namtha province.

The Governor of Luang Namtha, Mr Viengsavath Siphandone, told the Lao media recently that when he visited Xishuangbanna Prefecture in southwest China’s Yunnan province, he asked the leadership there to help encourage more Chinese nationals to visit Laos.
“Xishuangbanna’s authorities have plans to increase the number of tourists from 15 million to 50 million in 2024, and I asked my Chinese counterpart to help encourage some of these visitors to come to Laos,” Mr Viengsavath said.
“If we can get one million Chinese in 2024, it will be an average of 2,700 visitors a day. This number is quite a lot for our facilities to accommodate.”
The governor highlighted some of challenges facing Luang Namtha, including the need to develop infrastructure and facilities to accommodate a surge in Chinese tourists in the years to come.
For instance, roads to access tourist sites need to be upgraded. In addition, the province has pledged to attract private investment to build more hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and other facilities to draw more visitors.  
Luang Namtha province has become a gateway between China and other Asean countries following the launch of the Laos-China Railway in 2021.
Mr Viengsavath has realised the potential offered by the railway to boost socio-economic development in the province. Since the Laos-China Railway commenced operations, many more holiday-makers have visited the province.
“Tourism is the main area of great potential for us to make full use of the railway. One of the most important aspects for us is to develop facilities to ensure foreign visitors, including Chinese nationals, stay longer and spend more money to boost our economy,” he said.
Luang Namtha has prepared an exciting programme of events to be held throughout 2024 as part of the Visit Laos Year tourism promotion campaign. It includes boat races, Xieng Tueng Stupa festival, Namtha music festival, rocket festival and Lao New Year festival. In addition, the province will host the Laos-China-Vietnam Friendship Cup, a marathon for runners, and a cycling competition.
The province hosts several festivals each year that reflect the cultural traditions of its 17 ethnic groups.
The Deputy Head of the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Office, Mr Somsavath Namintha, said local authorities will use the Visit Laos Year campaign to raise awareness about the improvement of tourist attractions, promote tourism in general, improve the standard of tourism-related businesses, and encourage visitors to attend local festivals.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 3, 2024)