Ground broken for new hospitality training hotel in Pakse

A milestone for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in southern Laos was reached recently with the official groundbreaking ceremony for The Academy Pakse Training Hotel and Restaurant in Champasak province.
The new facility, located in the campus of the Champasak Technical-Vocational College, is designed to serve as a hub for practical, industry-relevant hospitality training, providing local youth with hands-on experience and career pathways in the tourism sector.

Officials and representatives of the sponsoring organisations participated in the groundbreaking ceremony in Champasak province.

By creating a real-world environment where students can master essential skills, the project aims to elevate professional standards in the hospitality industry, while generating sustainable revenue to support ongoing educational operations.
Inspired by the success of the model already established in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province, the upcoming 10-bedroom facility will feature modern amenities such as meeting rooms, a full-service restaurant, a coffee shop, and specialised teaching kitchens for food production, service, and bakery operations.
Students will gain immersive, practical experience under the guidance of experienced instructors, preparing them for the demands of the labour market.
The project, with an estimated investment of €2 million, is supported by the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Programme. This initiative is implemented by the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training under the Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, with financing provided by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union (EU).
At the groundbreaking ceremony held on June 3, the Vice Chairman of the Champasak Provincial Administrative Committee, Mr Phomphone Phandanouvong, underscored the importance of the initiative for the region.
“The Academy Pakse Training Hotel and Restaurant stands as an investment in our youth and our community,” Mr Phomphone said. “By following the successful model established in Vangvieng, we are confident this new facility will not only elevate professional standards in hospitality but also create meaningful opportunities for students throughout Champasak and beyond.”
Representatives of the project’s partners emphasised the strategic value of the development. The Regional Representative of the LuxDev Asia Office, Mr Robert de Waha, reaffirmed the commitment to the development of vocational skills and noted that investments in infrastructure are vital for maintaining motivation among teachers and students.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Laos, Mr Thomas Lammar, said the modern facilities will equip learners with skills directly relevant to the tourism sector, a primary driver of local economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the EU and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the EU Ambassador to Laos, Mr Mark Gallagher, described the project as a testament to international collaboration. “As part of the STAF Programme, a Team Europe initiative under the EU Global Gateway, this project unites Laos, the EU, Luxembourg, Switzerland and other partners in a shared mission – building skills for sustainable growth.”
In her closing remarks, the Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Dr Daravone Kittiphanh, highlighted the Ministry’s broader vision. She noted that this project, alongside similar facilities in Vangvieng and Luang Prabang, reflects a consistent commitment to strengthening the TVET system to support national socio-economic development.
Construction of The Academy Pakse is scheduled for completion in July 2027, with a soft opening anticipated in October of the same year.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update June 9, 2026)