Govt sets target of 4.3 million foreign tourists in 2025

The government hopes to attract more than 4.3 million tourists from foreign countries this year, aiming for tourist spending in excess of US$1 billion and for an average length of stay of 10 days.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket.

The target figure of 4.3 million surpasses the 4.1 million foreign tourists who visited Laos last year, generating US$1 billion in revenue.
There will also be a strong focus on domestic tourism, with hopes for at least 4.1 million people in Laos taking trips, generating a total of more than US$678 million, with an average length of stay of three days.
This will be an increase on the 3.3 million domestic tourists who took trips in Laos last year, spending US$540 million.
The target figures were cited by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, at a meeting of the ministry on Thursday to summarise the successes of 2024 and outline plans for 2025.
One of the key undertakings this year is the upgrade of 11 roads in the holiday hotspot of Vangvieng, where tourism is booming.
The ministry also plans to formulate a decree on tourist attractions, a decree on the tourism marketing council, decree on tourism districts, decree on entertainment, and a decree on tourism defence.
In addition, the ministry will improve agreements with hotels, restaurants, tour guide companies, and health-related businesses.
Mrs Suanesavanh also advised central and provincial levels of government to prepare for the Mekong Tourism Forum, which is taking place in Luang Prabang province in June.
Central and local authorities should devise a tourism development plan for 2026-2030 and regional tourism development plans for the northern, central and southern provinces, she added.
She also highlighted the need to improve infrastructure and facilities at tourist destinations, especially at those along the Laos-China railway route and in Vientiane.
The districts of Vangvieng, Meuangfeuang and Keo Oudom in Vientiane province and the districts of Luang Prabang and Chomphet in Luang Prabang province, as well as Champassak, Pakxong and Khong districts in Champassak province should also focus on the development of infrastructure and facilities, she added.
Authorities should also improve services at tourism information centres, as well as the standard of accommodation, cleanliness and safety in restaurants, tour guide services and general service standards, the minister advised.
The ministry will more strongly promote Laos’ tourist attractions at regional and internationals trade fairs and engage in other activities to promote tourism, and identify target market groups for travel on the Laos-China railway as a basis for strategic planning in promoting Lao tourism.

By Siladda Suliyong
 (Latest Update February 7, 2025)