Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket (fourth left), Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Vansy Kuamua (fourth right), and other officials on Thursday take part in a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of a 20-room dormitory for students and teachers at the National Arts College in Vientiane. The dormitory is expected to be completed by December 2028.           --Photo Pasaxon

Luang Namtha provincial authorities on Wednesday give tables, chairs, computers, laptops, motorbikes and cash to representatives of Luang Namtha sub-districts that were recently created as part of administrative reform. The event was attended by the Governor of Luang Namtha province, Mr Viengsavath Siphandone, and representatives of districts, villages and related sectors. --Photo Pasaxon

Officials from Champasak province’s Culture and Tourism Department and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Dak Lak province, Vietnam, on Thursday meet at the Champasak provincial office to discuss various aspects of cooperation. --Photo Pathetlao

Officials at the Department of Tourism Development gather for a conference in Vientiane to promote ASEAN tourism standards, aiming to strengthen the capacity of training institutions and tourism businesses. Compliance with set standards is essential for building tourists’ confidence in safety, comfort and product quality. Standards aim to enhance service quality, promote sustainable tourism, safeguard natural and cultural resources, and encourage community participation. Standards also contribute to economic growth by increasing product value, income, investment and employment, while improving Laos’ competitiveness internationally. The conference was chaired by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Mrs Darany Phommavongsa.