A World Ecotourism and Adventure Conference will be held in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR from 15 - 16 July, 2009.

Lao National Tourism Administration is collaborating with Malaysia's DISCOVERYMICE Sdn Bhd to organise the conference. DiSCOVERYMICE chief executive officer Lee Choon Loong said the conference was aimed at creating greater awareness among the public and private sectors on the current ecotourism developments.

Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, Lee said about 800 delegates were expected to discuss and formulate solutions and applications related with ecotourism at the conference. "People can exchange lessons learnt regarding global best practices in the ecotourism and community-based tourism sectors, and seek solutions to mitigate and reverse negative impacts of tourism such as climate change and environmental degradation," said Laos National Tourism Adminstration (LTNA) chairman Somphong Mongkhonvilay, who is also Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.



Said H.E. Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister, Chairman Lao National Tourism Administration: “This innovative conference aims to present modern approaches to sustainable tourism development and management at World Heritage Sites, exchange lessons-learned regarding global best-practice in the ecotourism and community-based tourism sectors.

Lao PDR, Asia's newest and fastest growing tourist destination is well suited to host this event based on its reputation for warm hospitality and wealth of cultural, natural and historic tourism assets including two UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites and a network of 20 National Protected Areas that cover more than 13% of the country.

Valere Tjolle

Check out photos from Miss Apone Lao beauty contest in Vientiane capital, Laos
at http://samakomlao.blogspot.com

The Sydney Morning Herald describes Laos as the cheapest travel destination in Asia. It’s described as “living-like-a-king-on-the-cost-of-a-packet-of-chips-a-day" !

If you've already been to South-East Asia, you won't need me to tell you how great it is (although bear with me, I have to bang on about it for a second to everyone else).

The place has got pretty much anything you could want in a travel destination, save for maybe some snow.

For starters, it's extremely affordable, particularly now with the number of budget carriers flying there. And when you're there, things range from the cheap (Malaysia, Singapore), to the really cheap (Thailand), to the extremely cheap (Vietnam), to the ridiculously cheap (Cambodia) to the I'm-living-like-a-king-on-the-cost-of-a-packet-of-chips-a-day cheap (Laos).

To read more click HERE >>

Laos is unique in that for a socialist country it has opened its doors to tourists. Since the latter part of the 1990s, Laos has been happy to welcome visitors from all over the globe. The reason behind their campaign to attract tourists, “Visit Laos” was because the economy was in a downward spiral and it was thought that tourism dollars would help to boost the economy. Lucky travelers can now experience the wonder of the sights and sounds of Laos.


Khone Phapheng is the largest waterfall that can be found in Southeast Asia. Located at Si Phan Don at its southern end, it is also considered home to Irrawadaddy dolphins, a rare species. The waterfall is a stunning sight and the presence of the dolphins makes it even more so. Day trips for viewing the dolphins often include a visit to Khone Phapheng.


Another important sight in Laos is Pha That Luang. Not only is this monument important for its relation to the Buddhist religion, it is also a monumnet to the sovereignty of Laos. Looking upon it from a distance, it gives the impression of a cluster of gilded missiles. In the early part of November, the temple is the location of one of Laos’ major festivals.


Pak Ou Caves can only be reached by boat and one can be caught at Ban Pak Ou. It is a spectacular sight as the setting is carved into a cliff made of limestone that faces the river. Inside the cave there are a plethora of images of Buddha in every style and shape, but many of them represent the classic standing Buddha, Luang Prabang. Tours are easily arranged by tour operators as well as many of Laos’ guest houses.


Other popular places to visit in Laos are the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang was given the distinction of being honored as a Unesco World Heritage city for its stunning, tranquil natural surroundings as well as its unique and beautiful architecture. This city is one of the top tourist destinations in Laos.

Source: www.traveling-blog.com

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to a grant of around 100 billion kip (US$10 million) to the Lao for developing sustainable tourism in eight provinces of Laos between 2009 and 2013.

The assistance will go to Siphandone tourism development project in Champassak province, wastewater treatment system construction and improvement project in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, and the tourism development activities along the north-south economic corridor project (Luang Namtha and Bokeo, northern Laos)

The grant will also help develop community–based ecotourism in Bokeo, Sayaboury, Oudomsay, Houaphanh, Saravane and Vientiane provinces. In addition, the funds will be used to develop human resources in the tourism sector.

The Vice Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr Vang Rattanavong, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Feb 15, in Vientiane with the bank’s Mission Leader, Mr Alfredo Perdiguero.

In the past, ADB has provided loans for Laos in the Mekong Tourism Development Project worth US$10.5 million. The Bank off ered the grant to Laos after successfully completing the fi rst phase of Mekong Tourism Development Project, according to an LNTA press release.

Source: Mlao

(KPL) Laos plans to promote its reputation as “Laos - Jewel of the Mekong,” in the future to attract more tourists around the world.

This was quoted from a statement of Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Mr Somphong Mongkhounvilay made at a seminar on Lao Mass Media with Tourism on 21 March at the National Culture Hall.

The seminar was organised by the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) in cooperation with mass media agencies to mark the 10th founding anniversary of the “Mouang Lao” (Laos) Magazine.

Mr Somphong who is also the LNTA President, highlighted over the past 15 years the active and constant Lao tourism development. Since 1999, the Lao tourism has seen a fast and constant growth, the number of foreign tourist arrivals has also on the rise, at least 20% a year on average. It has made a large income for the nation and ranks top of national income spinners.



In particular 2007, more than 1.6 million tourists visited Laos, up by 33%, the highest rate among ASEAN member countries. Tourism also generated US$235 million for the country.

The reputation of Lao tourism was emerging in the region and the world. In particular the Nam Ha ecotourism in northern Luang Namtha province, has won three international awards. 10 hotels have also received “green hotel awards” from the Association of ASEAN Tourism.

The curriculum of guide training of the world heritage town of Luang Prabang has won a gold award from the Association of Asia-Pacific Tourism. So has the website “ecotourismlao.com”.

The Luang Prabang World Heritage Town has also been voted by tourists through the Wanderlust, a leading travel magazine of the United Kingdom as the first rank of popular tourism town for three consecutive years (2005-07). The world leading newspaper “New York Times” in the United States selected Laos as the first rank of tourism destination by 2008, out of the 53 well-known tourism sites around the world.

Mr. Somphong also viewed that Laos’ achievement and prestige in international tourism was attributed to a great contribution of local mass media.

The successful lessons from among ASEAN member countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and others countries worldwide have invested in multi-advertisements with a huge amount each year.

According to the LNTA statistics for the 2003-07 period, tourists received information on Laos mainly from magazines and newspapers, accounting for 51 % per year, 4 % through TV, about 28-30 % through radio, 12 % through friends and 41 % through tour companies. The mass media is considered very significant for the renovation movement and tourism promotion and marketing. So the role of the media has been identified in the Lao Tourism Development Strategy for the 2006-20 period as well as tourism law, aiming at providing understanding to Lao people on contribution of tourism preservation and promotion and making foreign tourists knowing about Laos.

The awareness campaign is to concentrate on publishing the beauty of nation, outstanding natural resources, national identity of tourism products in culture, history, nature and other hospitality services. These works have so far been paid attention by the LNTA in cooperation with other private tourism companies.



The LNTA President added that Laos was a small country which was integrating its economy to the regional and international economies, which there will be cooperation and high competitive in tourism area following the opening of ASEAN Free Trade Area.
Laos will host the 2009 SEA Games in 2009 and Vientiane will celebrate its 450th anniversary of the proclamation as the country’s capital. The Party and Government consider the tourism as a priority out of other priorities involved to national economic development.

“By this, we need to cooperate with the mass media to fulfil the goal set by the Government,” said the LNTA President.

The LNTA expects that income from tourism would increase to 13% by the 2008-09 period.

The World Heritage town of Luang Prabang last Sunday celebrated its award by the UK 's leading travel magazine, Wanderlust, of the ‘Top City Gold Award', for the third successive year.

The celebrations began with food offerings to monks, followed by processions carrying national flags and banners, and an elephant parade.



The parade began at the provincial administration office and slowly travelled along Sisavangvong Road to Vat Xieng Thong, with local and foreign visitors joining in the celebrations.

Speaking before the parade, Governor of Luang Prabang province Bounheuang Douangphachan said the people of Luang Prabang were very proud to receive the international accolade.

“The award is not easy to win and we were competing with many well-known cities around the world,” he said.



Luang Prabang authorities have treated tourism as a priority in achieving socio-economic development and the industry has grown rapidly. The province has developed tourism services for cultural, natural and historical attractions to bring economic benefits to local people, he said.

The town was voted into the magazine's top 10 cities, from a list of 615, before the decision was made to give it the gold award. A poll of the magazine's readers who had visited the city found a satisfaction rating of more than 97 percent.

Luang Prabang won the award because it is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by Europeans in the 19th and 20th centuries. The 1,200-year-old historic town is considered to be the cultural and religious capital of Laos .

“The most important aspect of the town is the charm and hospitality of its people, a characteristic that has been handed down over the centuries. Now it has been revealed to the world,” Mr Bounheuang said.

He said people of all ethnicities should be proud of their artistic culture and architecture, and urged them to preserve and develop the town in a sustainable way.



In 1995 UNESCO added the town to its list of World Heritage Sites. It became the first such site in Laos , ensuring the preservation of its mixture of traditional Lao and French architecture. Since then its unique character has helped make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Also attending the celebrations were Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and President of the Lao National Tourism Administration Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Deputy Governor Dr Khampheng Saysompheng, and the Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Bouangeun Saphouvong.

By MK. Vongsam-ang
Vientianetimes

Luangnamtha is a northern province bordering on China and Myanmar and its selection is based upon a series of environment, social, cultural, historical and development factors which make the site an excellent location to evaluate the potential for sustainable cultural and ecotourism in an around a protected area. With a population of about 115,000, Luang Namtha is a home to at least forty different ethnic minority groups, including Hmong, Akha, Mien, Shan and Yunnanese. The forests are dense, and cover near 99% of the protected area. Wild cattle (gauar and banteng), Asian wild dogs, tigers, clouded leopard, bears and gibbons also having in the forests and there is still a large bird population. The province also consists of the lowland Lao, Tai Lue, Thai Neua and Thai Dam who live in village just outside the protected area and the historic town of Muang Sing.



Muang Sing originally formed part of group of principalities loosely linked under the leadership of political entity called the Sipsongpanna whose political seat centered in southern Yunnan province, China. Now, it’s become a most interested destination of tourists from around the world. Its full of guesthouses, resorts, restaurants served a standard service in low prices. Take pick up from Luang Nam Tha at 6:00 am to Meuang Sing at 8.30 am.


Photo: New stupa in Luang Namtha

This province has a picturesque beauty with mountains, and many old temples. Although they have been destroyed during the war, there still remains one major attraction and old temple noticeably different from other classical temples. Usually tour itinerary includes an outing to Boten, the Lao-Chinese border checkpoint. South West of Luang Namtha, the still pristine forests of Nam Ha protected area with varieties of wildlife and vegetation can be found.


Photo: Casino in Boten, Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha is also a gateway to neighboring China, and the city of Boten is now a legal border crossing for international tourists. Located near the Nam Tha River, the provincial capital city of Luang Namtha is a commercial center for trade between China, Thailand. Buy a locally produced textile or basket. Visit the town’s historical museum. Get up before sunrise to experience Muang Sing’s bustling morning market, where you will meet all sorts of people, including Thai Dam, Thai Neua, Hmong, Akha, and Yunnanese, buying and selling their produces.


Photo: Tribal museum in Luang namtha

One of the best times to visit Muang Sing is in late October or mid-November, when the local people celebrate the festival of That Muang Sing, a grand stupa located just south of the city. Devoted worshippers pay their respects to the stupa with magical offerings of candles, flowers and incense. However, I want to suggest you that during this month you must take jacket with you all the time.


Photo: Tree house and gibbon experience

Getting there and Away
By air
Lao Aviation provides regular service between Vientiane and city of Luangnamtha, a trip of about one hour and ten minutes.

By road
There is regular bus service between the city of Luang Nam Tha and the transportation hub of Oudomxay, a trip of about five hours. But there is not direct bus from Vientiane to Luang Namtha.

By river
There is regular boat service on the Mekong River between Xieng Kok in Luang Nam Tha province and Xuay Xai in Bokeo Province.

Source: kpl

Visitors to Attapeu province are expressing an increasing interest in places of cultural and archaeological interest, the Head of the Provincial Tourism Office, Mr Vixian Viengkeo, said recently.

It seems overseas tourists prefer this aspect of the province to visits to ethnic groups and ecotourism. The number of foreign visitors to Attapeu province is growing, up from around 3000 in 2000 to 16,000 in 2007, said Mr Vixian.

“People coming here have heard that some of the temples have an ancient and interesting history, such as Vat That in Xaysettha district and Vat Ongsensoukhalam in Sakhae village,” he said. “Visitors have a strong interest in visiting these historical temples.”


Photo: Temple in Attapeu

The bones of King Setthathirath are said to be buried at Vat That, which was built around 1579.

A local resident, Mr Bounthone Sythanonxay, 65, is trying to locate anyone in the area who might know anything about the era of King Setthathirath, who was born in 1534 and died at the age of 38.

Ancient Buddha images believed to have been buried for more than 400 years were unearthed last year at the temple, when 139 images were discovered near an old building where many others are stored. The find consisted of 56 gold statues, 54 made of silver and 29 made of copper, of different shapes and sizes.

Mr Vixian said both local and foreign visitors were also keen to see Vat Ongsensoukhalam, which houses a large Buddha image in the sim (temple hall).

This particular image is called Phachao-ongsen , a reference to its size. Locals believe the image is sacred and has special powers, and that they will be successful in their endeavours if they call on the image for help.

The sim is small and old. In the 1970s, American missiles bombed the village and villagers hid in the sim for safety.

“Today, the sim is the only original part of the temple still standing,” Mr Vixian said.

This year the provincial tourism office will develop archaeological sites, particularly building access roads.

Mr Vixian said the office would encourage local people to make handicrafts for sale and to preserve cultural activities for the benefit of tourists.

By phon thikeo
Vientianetimes

Valentine's Day comes once a year, but travel offers a year-round opportunity to show that special person in your life how much you love them. Here, Travel + Leisure magazine provides a list of 10 of its favourite, and inspirational, romantic escapes.

1. TOKYO BY NIGHT

Book a table for two at the New York Grill at the Park Hyatt, Tokyo, in the heart of Shinjuku, where the movie, Lost in Translation was filmed. This is the restaurant - still with the best views of the Tokyo capital - where, 52 floors up, Tokyo lovebirds come to propose. http://www.hyatt.com



2. NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SYDNEY

Beat the crowds and book two seats at Opera Australia's New Year's Eve Gala Concert, which allows you the privilege of viewing the famed fireworks from inside the Sydney Opera House, as well as, of course, a night of sensational music and partying. (Tickets go on sale mid-year). http://www.opera-australia.org.au



3. LUANG PRABANG AT DAWN

Rise early in this spectacular World Heritage-listed town, on the banks of the Mekong in Laos, and witness alms-giving to the saffron-robe-clad monks on their serene ritual procession through the quiet streets. Then wander off for a leisurely breakfast at one of the many French-style cafes. http://www.travelindochina.com.au



4. PARIS AT DAWN

Anyone can swoon at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Go one better and wake up early and recreate the romantic, blue-tinged scenes from the hit French movie, Diva, as you wander around the captivating streets of the City of Light, just as the cafes are baking the first croissants of day. http://www.franceguide.com



5. WAKE UP TO THE TAJ MAHAL

Book a luxurious Taj Mahal view room at the exclusive Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, with its Moorish and Mughal-inspired architecture. The hotel (the poshest place to stay in Agra) is a mere 600 metres from the world's ultimate monument to love. http://www.oberoihotels.com



6. CATCH SUNRISE AT MACHU PICCHU

Watch dawn break over Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel of the Incas in Peru by staying overnight in the elegant Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. By mid-morning the tour buses offload their hordes, and while the ruins and surrounding mountain peaks are no less magnificent, the spell is broken. http://www.orient-express.com



7. STROLL IN OLD HAVANA

The crumbling Spanish Colonial facades of Cuba's Old Havana provide the perfect backdrop for walking hand-in-hand. Be drawn to a local dark-wood bar by the sound of the Afro-Cuban rhythms that waft up and down the cobbled streets; and once inside there is an ice-cold mojito waiting for you, or perhaps a daquiri, Ernest Hemingway's drink of choice. And as the moon rises high in the sky, walk along the Malecon, the city's seaside promenade and let the sea breeze mingle with the music. http://www.havanatours.com.au



8. GET PASSIONATE IN ST PETERSBURG

Fuel your passion, culturally and otherwise, and secure tickets to a ballet or classical music concert during the St Petersburg "Stars of the White Nights" Festival (May 11 to July 20). Then cap off the evening with an unscripted wander along the city's canals, paying homage to its glorious baroque buildings and many bridges in the moody blue of a midnight twilight. http://www.mariinsky.ru/en



9. LIVE LIKE A PRINCE IN PHUKET

Roll out of your obscenely comfortable king-sized bed and plunge naked into your own private swimming pool in a private villa in Phuket, Thailand. A growing number of the Thai island's resorts now offer an additional level of privacy to the ultimate in luxury. All the resort facilities are at your disposal, and a personal chef is on hand to cater to your every culinary whim. http://www.trisara.com



10. REVEL IN RAVELLO

Immerse yourself in the exquisite vistas of the Amalfi Coast, arguably Europe's most beautiful and inspiring coastline, from a restaurant terrace in the Italian hilltop town of Ravello.

From July to October, catch a performance of classical or contemporary music, dance and cinema as part of the Ravello Festival. http://www.hotelcaruso.com



To read the complete list of Travel + Leisure's 20 most inspirational romantic escapes go to http://www.travelandleisure.com.au

As the world gets wise to warming and brave new travelers embrace low impact lifestyles, green travel has become one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry.

Despite its rap as a collection of chic spas for wealthy, guilt-addled liberals who shell out $4,000 to commune with gorillas, green travel isn’t about giving a tour operator a month’s salary for some Disney-like attraction or consumer experience.

Traveling green is about finding and supporting destinations that have seen the light, and are already working to green-up their tourist offerings.

Seeking out green places to travel isn’t all that hard. Even New York City offers the possibility of an ecologically responsible vacation. Many travelers can get to New York by train, removing the need for a high-impact airplane ride. A tiny hotel room in SoHo uses less electricity than a deluxe suite in Aspen.

Plus, New York is a city built for walking, with solid public transport to boot. Time Out recently named New York the perfect place to “be green without doing crap.”

Here are 5 more eco-friendly destinations to put on your travel radar:



Luang Prabang, Laos

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has made it their mission to bring this Southeast Asian country (which is landlocked by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand) to the forefront of tourism. It’s working - Laos was #1 on the New York Times’ list of places to go in 2008.

However, the Lao government is aiming to increase tourism sustainably so as to protect their native wildlife, lush land and clean rivers, and preserve their two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Ancient City of Luang Prabang and pre-Angkorian Vat Phou Temple Complex. Another Heritage Site-to-be is the Plain of Jars in the highlands of north-central Laos.

The Lao National Tourism Administration has a dozen award-winning eco-tourism projects currently in development, spreading country wide to encourage smaller provinces to set up sustainable tourism, help protect over-exposed areas, and begin programs such as homestays, eco-treks, and local art exhibitions.

What’s Lao for “rocking it?”

Mjølfjell, Norway

Norway is so eco-conscious it balks when a marketer calls a Prius or Tesla green.

While other European countries have aimed to cut their carbon emissions by 20% by 2020, Norway has upped the ante to 30%. Norway is also helping China come up with ways to combat climate change.

Get out of Oslo and head into the mountains and you’ll see a lot of sustainable housing, including the Mjolfjell Inn and Youth Hostel .

A destination in and of itself, the inn offers the standard outdoor fare (skiing, horseback riding, even a wildlife survival course) and also produces its own electricity.

Not bad for the world’s #5 oil exporter.

Belize City, Belize

Home to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize is deeply committed to eco-tourism. Offshore, Belize boasts a number of cayes, some of which have been turned into eco-resorts, but others that remain pristine homes for birds, lizards and marine life.

Whale watching is a popular attraction here, as is mountain biking, horseback riding, and cave tubing. Go outside of the sandy city into the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and Maya Mountains, which have amazingly-preserved Mayan ruins. You’ll also find plenty of local artists and artisans to support in town.

While the Caribbean and Latin America are full of eco-tours and spas, you can also appreciate their beauty and natural preservation by traveling independently. Be sure to check out the preservations in Tobago (Trinidad’s less commercialized sister), the diverse terrain of Guadeloupe, and the stunning rainforests of Costa Rica.

Zurich, Switzerland

Voted the city with the highest quality of life in the world, Zurich was also recently ranked by Forbes as number 8 on their list of Top 10 Cleanest Cities.

Voted the city with the highest quality of life in the world, Zurich was also recently ranked by Forbes as number 8 on their list of Top 10 Cleanest Cities.

The city’s public transportation works like clockwork (no pun intended) to the point where very few residents own cars. There is also a large local foods industry, including cheeses that will make your deli’s Swiss cheese taste like plastic.

The world’s first four chocolate makers were also all Swiss, so you can take comfort in knowing you’re supporting local growers with those truffles and hot chocolates.

I single out Zurich here, but the rest of Switzerland is great for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while still traveling Europe. Not only do you get the Alps and clean living, you can explore areas heavily influenced by the Germans, French, and Italians.

Thenmala, India

Surprised?

Even though India has some of the most polluted cities in the world, there are some areas that are working to green their environment. While other regions try to slap an “eco-tourism” label on what is really just nature tourism (“Over there is a rare flower,” “Look up there at the tree,” “Check out the elephant,” and back on the bus), Thenmala is taking green travel to heart.

The local Thenmala government, tourism office, and irrigation department are teaming up with residents to to make green tourism a coordinated effort. The best part? You’ll not only get to visit the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary (part rainforest, part deciduous forest), but the tour guides are local youths who are trained in sustainable tourism. Now that’s something to feel good about.

Of course, there’s more than just this Fab Five. In fact, you can find plenty of eco-friendly destinations (from the transportation to lodgings to the cocktail hour) on every continent.

Source: http://travelreviewonline.com/2008/01/21/5-green-travel-destinations-for-2008/

Photo: View of Vientiane city from Donchan Palace Hotel

Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration Somphong Mongkhonvilay urged the government, the private sector and others working in the tourist industry to work more closely to improve tourism services nationwide, at a meeting on Fri day in Vientiane.

Speaking at a meeting held to discuss proposals for the development of the tourism industry in 2008, and the Elephant Festival to be held from February 15 to 17 in Paklai district, Xayaboury province, Mr Somphong praised the outstanding efforts by members of the tourism sector that led to Laos being awarded a number of prizes by international organisations in the past year.

Luang Prabang province was one of the most popular destinations amongst foreign visitors to Laos in 2007, with the majority interested in ecotourism, he noted.

In preparation for the increased number of tourists expected this year, the meeting selected representatives from the government and private tourist sectors to help identify and resolve issues and weaker areas, and to mobilise plans for improvements to the country's tourism industry.

“To impress foreign visitors with our service, we have to expand and strengthen our working relationships and coordination,” said Mr Somphong.

“We must build more facilities for travellers entering and leaving the country, and improve the overall quality of our services in order to attract more tourists and increase revenue for the country.”

He emphasised that the service sectors should work to create a better customer-orientated environment at tourist venues, and preserve tourist attractions by reducing the impacts on the natural, cultural and social environment.

The tourism industry plays a very important role in the country's economy. It generates sustainable incomes for Lao people and helps to remove people from the despair of poverty, said the Vice Chairman of the administration, Mr Soukaseum Bodhisane.

Mr Soukaseum also announced to the assembled media representatives and tourism operators that the world's most famous newspaper, the New York Times, recently named Laos as the top tourist destination for 2008.

The Travel Section of the newspaper collated information on the most attractive destinations in the world, and had placed Laos at number one of the 53 best places to visit this year, he said.

Since the country first began a tourism campaign in 1990-2000, the number of visitors to Laos has continued to increase rapidly. Annual foreign visitors to Laos topped 737,208 in 2002, and tourism has now become one of the nation's leading income earners.

The Lao National Tourism Administration is expecting more than one million visitors to Laos this year, generating around US$195 million.

By MK. Vongsam-ang
Vientianetimes

Photo: A sticky rice field on top of the Pha Pon Golden Mountain near Luang Prabang, Laos. A Hmong villager stands admiring the sea of clouds below. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hleung/2071568156/in/photostream/)

Perhaps the world's most famous newspaper, the New York Times, recently named Laos as number one of the world's top 53 tourist destinations to visit in 2008.

Author of the Travel Section of the newspaper, Mr Denny Lee, collected information on the most attractive destinations in the world, and named Laos as the number one place to visit this year.

In his report, Mr Lee states that “Vietnam and Cambodia are so 2007. Now, Laos is shaping up to be Indochina's next hot spot. Ancient sites like the Vat Phou temple complex and Vientiane are drawing culture seekers”.

“F oreigners have praised us because our Party has a clear policy on tourism development that conforms with the latest in world's trends,” the Director of the Lao National Tourism Administration's Marketing Promotion Department, Mr S aly Phimphinith, said on Monday.

Mr Lee mentions the unique delight of a luxury teak houseboat cruising down the Mekong.

“Global nomads are heading to Luang Prabang to sample the Lao tasting menu at 3 Naga, or hang out by the infinity pool at the seriously upscale Résidence Phou Vao.”

Tourist destinations continue to be improved, and the tourist sector has increased its efforts to promote tourism. The government has successfully developed the tourism infrastructure as well as improved all facilities for tourists in the country, Mr Saly said.

The administration has also extended cooperation with neighbouring countries and international organisations to attract more foreign tourists to Laos, he said.

“The country offers stability and safety, while at the same time preserving its many national heritage sites as tourist attractions, and this part of the world has therefore become an attractive destination in which to relax,” Mr Saly said.

Due to the beautiful scenery and views, those tourists interested in nature, as well as fine culture, historical sites and the lifestyle of Lao ethnic groups and Lao people are drawn to the region.

The tourism industry plays a very important role in Lao's economy. It generates sustainable incomes for all Lao people and helps to remove people from the despair of poverty, Mr Saly said.

Since the country first began a specific tourism campaign in 1990-2000, the number of visitors to Laos has rapidly increased.

Foreign visitors to Laos topped 737,208 in 2002, and tourism became one of the nation's leading income earners.

The Lao National Tourism Administration is expecting more than a million visitors to Laos this coming year, generating around US$195 million for the tourism sector.

By vientiane times