Participants gather for a photo at a recent training course in Luang Prabang province.

Entrepreneurs in Luang Prabang upgrade skills to promote sustainable tourism

The authorities of Luang Prabang province, which is rich in natural beauty and renowned among international visitors for its tourist destinations, are now focused on promoting sustainable tourism.
As parts of the efforts of the central and provincial governments to ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry and to build the capacity of tourism-related sectors, more than 30 representatives of the business sector and entrepreneurs attended a training session with the theme of “Certification of the sustainability of the long-term Lao project for businesses in the Lao tourism sector”.
The event was organised on June 16 by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and the Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with the Department of Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Plan International Laos and the European Union Centre for Ecological and Agricultural Tourism (ECEAT).
The session was co-chaired by the Deputy Director of the Industry and Commerce Department of Luang Prabang province, Mr Khamtanh Somphanvilay, and the President of the Luang Prabang Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Bounthieng Soulivan.
The training imparted to the participants was aimed at promoting the sustainability of the tourism industry by strengthening the capacity of businesses in four sectors, including transportation and logistics, food and beverages, handicrafts and souvenirs, and cultural tourism.
The participants learnt about how to use tools to pass the criteria for receiving the “Lasting Lao” certificate, and how to use an online reporting system on the website of Travel Life.
The participants also learnt of the importance and benefits of sustainable business operations in the tourism sector in line with the principles of the “Lasting Lao” certification programme. They were told how their businesses can make progress in complying with standards at each stage by initiating changes to make their operations sustainable and responsible towards society.
It is also important for businesses to compete in tourism marketing in a sustainable way through the use of a long-term plan, which is the connecting point for them to integrate with the international tourism market.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update June 20, 2023)