President Thongloun Sisoulith addresses leaders of Vientiane province on Tuesday.  --Photo Vientiane Province Television

President calls for stronger environmental protection, sustainable tourism in Vangvieng

President Thongloun Sisoulith has called for stronger action to protect the Xong River, curb illegal mineral extraction, improve urban management and enhance tourism standards in Vangvieng, to ensure the district maintains its reputation as an international tourist destination.
Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, gave the advice during a meeting with provincial, district and village officials, business operators and local residents in Vangvieng district on Tuesday.
He stressed the need for Vientiane province and Vangvieng district authorities to implement the resolutions of the Party and province’s development plans, while maintaining political stability and promoting sustainable socio-economic growth.
According to a news report from Vientiane Province Television, President Thongloun instructed authorities at all levels to take decisive measures against illegal mineral extraction, strengthen land management, and improve coordination between provincial, district and sub-district administrations to ensure effective implementation of development policies.
A key focus of his address was conservation of the Xong River, one of Vangvieng’s main attractions. He urged provincial and district authorities, in cooperation with central agencies, to improve water quality and preserve the river’s environmental value.
He also called for stronger measures to tackle social problems that could harm the district’s reputation as a tourist destination, emphasising the need to ensure safety and public order for the benefit of visitors.
He instructed local authorities to implement urban planning measures, improve cleanliness and public facilities, and maintain high standards at tourist attractions.
President Thongloun said these efforts were essential to achieving the long-term goal of transforming Vangvieng into a world-class tourist destination while safeguarding its natural and cultural assets.
Prior to the President’s address, Secretary of the Vientiane Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Vientiane Provincial People’s Council, Mr Phouthanouphet Xaysombath, briefed the meeting on the province’s socio-economic performance during the first six months of 2026 and priorities for the remainder of the year.
He reported that the province’s economy grew by 3.4 percent in the first half of 2026 and that about 1.93 million tourists visited the province.
Gross domestic product climbed to 12.43 trillion kip, with average annual income estimated at US$1,154 per person, while budget revenue collection totalled 975.72 billion kip.
Mr Phouthanouphet also reported progress in implementing Resolution No. 04 on building an independent and self-reliant economy, strengthening Party organisations, improving education and healthcare services, and reducing poverty.
The report noted that all villages in the province had maintained their poverty-free status and that only 0.85 percent of households were officially categorised as poor, while 97 percent of the population have access to clean water.
The establishment of 35 sub-district administrative units across the province’s 11 districts has been completed.
Provincial authorities highlighted several challenges requiring continued attention, including traffic congestion, deteriorating sections of National Road No. 13 North, protection of the Xong River, and management of environmental impacts associated with mineral extraction.
President Thongloun instructed the relevant authorities to address these issues to support sustainable development and preserve Vangvieng’s appeal as a tourist hotspot.
The President was accompanied by local authorities on visits to several tourist attractions and development sites in Vangvieng district, including Chang cave, a mixed-tree plantation in Naxay village, and a glass footbridge across a gorge in Huaysa-ngao village.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 23, 2026)