Canyoning at the Tad Sanam waterfall in Khammuan province. --Photo Inthy Deuansavanh

Rising visitor numbers push Laos to improve tourism data  

The government is working to improve its tourism accounting and statistics system as foreign visitor arrivals continued to rise, reaching about 1.31 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to more than 1.26 million during the same period in 2025.
Officials and tourism authorities from across the country gathered in Khammuan province from May 19-21 for the National Tourism Accounts Seminar to discuss the development of a tourism accounting framework in line with international standards set by UN Tourism.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Mrs Darany Phommavongsa said tourism remains one of Laos’ key economic sectors and plays an increasingly important role in supporting socio-economic development.
Laos welcomed more than 4.5 million foreign visitors in 2025, exceeding the national target by five percent, while strong growth has continued into 2026.
Mrs Darany said a national tourism accounts system would be an important tool for measuring the real economic contribution of tourism in sectors such as transport, trade, accommodation, food services, and employment.
Such a system would provide statistical data for both the public and private sectors to support policy planning, investment decisions and tourism management, while also helping to modernise tourism statistics through digital integration with ASEAN and international partners, she added.
Meeting participants reviewed Laos’ tourism accounting framework and shared lessons and experiences from countries already using tourism account systems to collect and analyse tourism statistics.
Field visits and data collection activities were also carried out at key locations in Khammuan province, including the Friendship Bridge international border checkpoint and major tourist attractions, to strengthen practical understanding and ensure standardised implementation nationwide.
Mrs Darany encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the meeting to the ASEAN Tourism Strategy for 2026-2030 and the government’s national socio-economic development plan.
“Clear statistical data is the compass that guides sustainable development,” she said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 22, 2026)