Huaphan’s tourism campaign blossoms alongside sakura trees

Huaphan province is hoping to attract more than 47,000 tourists during Visit Laos Year 2024, with estimated spending of 50 billion kip, and on Friday kicked off its tourism programme in line with the theme of Visit Laos Year, “A Paradise of Lao Culture, Nature and History”.

Visitors admire the peach and sakura cherry trees that are now in full bloom in Viengxay district, Huaphan province.

Huaphan can boast an abundance of all the elements of this theme, as it is spectacularly endowed with stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and fascinating historical links due to its being the country’s revolutionary stronghold. 
Provincial Governor Dr Khampheng Xaysompheng hosted a ceremony to mark the start of Huaphan’s Visit Laos Year programme, held in Xamneua district, with Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, among those in attendance.
More than 1,000 people attended the ceremony, which coincided with a raft of events organised to launch the programme in colourful fashion.
These included the Miss Peach Blossom contest, a cultural show, a marathon run, food items made by local ethnic groups, an exhibition of goods produced under the One District, One Product scheme, and a market fair.
Visitors were also able to take photos of peach and sakura blossom at the Laos-Japan Friendship Sakura Park in Viengxay district, where the trees are now in full bloom and add a huge splash of colour to the winter landscape.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Khampheng said Huaphan will hold activities each month during Visit Laos Year 2024, including ethnic festivals, traditional Lao New Year celebrations, a boat racing festival and other events.
It is hoped these will bring both Lao and foreign tourists to Huaphan in large numbers, and also attract potential investors looking to set up businesses.

The growth of business would create jobs for local people and help to ease poverty levels in the remote mountainous northern province.
Last year, at least 45,000 tourists visited Huaphan province, generating more than 32 billion kip in revenue.
Huaphan province has funded the development of infrastructure and tourist attractions and is encouraging ministries and other government bodies, and Lao and foreign business operators to share in the development of tourism in Huaphan, Dr Khampheng said.
The province’s main attraction is the cave system in Viengxay district that housed the revolutionary forces while they evaded enemy aerial bombardment and spearheaded the countrywide campaign to free Laos from foreign domination.
Other places worth visiting are the Nam Nua, Saluey and Kon waterfalls, the hot springs in Hiem district, the Standing Stones Hintang Archaeological Park in Huameuang district, and the Nam Et-Phou Luey National Park.
But travel through any part of the province, including essential visits to the provincial capital and Viengxay district to see the famed caves, will give visitors a very rewarding and educational experience, with fascinating sights at every turn of Huaphan’s winding roads.
Provincial authorities are ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, transport and accommodation, all aimed at ensuring people enjoy their visit to this sleepy but intriguing corner of Laos.
In addition to infrastructure development, the province is encouraging local authorities and artisans to promote their special brand of handicrafts, with woven silk fabrics being the province’s main claim to fame in terms of locally produced items.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 12, 2024)