Authorities hail success of Visit Laos-China Year

Visit Laos-China Year 2019 officially concluded on Monday with authorities from both countries attending a ceremony as the campaign not only boosted tourism exchanges but also significantly improved the relationship between the two neighbours.
The Visit Laos-China Year 2019 closing ceremony took place in Beijing, China with leaders from both sides attending including Lao National Assembly President, Mrs Pany Yathotou and Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Kikeo said both nations organised Visit Laos-China Year 2019 based on the wishes of their leaders to facilitate visitation between the two countries.
Dr Kikeo thanked the Chinese government, especially the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China for cooperating and making the yearlong campaign so effective.
The nations held various colourful activities throughout the year including a Chinese Cultural Week in Vientiane which featured performances from visiting artists, and a Mid-Autumn Festival as well as other Chinese cultural performances in Luang Prabang province and the capital.
Lao authorities also staged a cultural show in Fujian province, China, while the two countries shared ideas on tourism and culture as well as upgraded the knowledge of personnel to welcome the visitors.
During Visit Laos-China Year 2019, local provinces prepared numerous activities, and tourism facilities were upgraded to welcome visitors. Such as Vangvieng district, Vientiane province improving service quality, and local authorities monitored the price of food and accommodation as well as fees at tourist attractions.
Meanwhile, Luang Prabang provincial authorities encouraged restaurants to add Chinese dishes to their menus, and some Chinese language signs were erected at popular tourist sites.
In Luang Namtha province the authorities have improved many services at the border checkpoint, and officials are supplying tourist information and suggestions especially to Chinese visitors. In the first nine months of this year, more than 3.4 million people vacationed in Laos, up 11 percent on last year.
More than 756,900 Chinese visitors came to Laos, an increase of about 26 percent over the same period in 2018. The government’s target is to attract 1 million Chinese visitors this year, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update December 18, 2019)