Visit​ Laos​ Year 2024 opens with great fanfare

Visit Laos Year 2024 kicked off at the That Luang esplanade in Vientiane on Thursday with an official ceremony attended by a large number of dignitaries.
More than hundred people together with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone; President of the Lao Front for National Development, Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune; Deputy Prime Minister prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune; the Mayor of Vientiane Dr Atsaphangthong Siphandone; ministers and provincial governors attended the event.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (centre)​ cuts a ribbon to launch Visit Laos Year 2024 at the That Luang esplanade on Thursday.​

Also present were foreign ambassadors, other representatives of foreign embassies to Laos, and members of international organisations.
Dr Sonexay​ Siphandone​ said “This is the Visit Laos Year since 1999 that Laos has named a year “Visit Laos Year”. This year’s programme takes the theme “A Paradise of Culture, Nature and History” with the logo of an elephant holding a khaen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.”
“The government views Visit Laos Year as a crucial and meaningful event, especially after the tourism industry was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Prime Minister added.
​“I would like to urge the entire Party and state, armed forces, business operators, and people of all ethnic groups in Laos to join hands in hosting Visit Laos Year by assisting and providing services to visitors from around the world with warm smiles and open hearts.”
“This is an opportunity to showcase Laos’ rich culture and traditions to the world, to create a memorable experience for visitors, and encourage them to revisit Laos in the future,” he added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism,​ Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, who is also Deputy Head of the National Committee responsible for Visit Laos Year 2024, said “To ensure we give a warm welcome and offer generous hospitality to tourists, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has worked with the relevant authorities and the public and private sectors to determine 79 events that will form the backbone of the programme, including 14 national level events and 65 at the provincial level.”
“These events and activities will provide a range of exciting experiences for visitors and will showcase Laos’ joyful and colourful traditions and culture.”
“Visit Laos Year 2024 is one of the most important events in Laos. Apart from promoting tourism, it aims to conserve the country’s arts, culture and traditions as well as inform visitors about Laos’ long history and the sustainable use of its natural resources.”
“Another goal of Visit Laos Year 2024 is to create a vibrant atmosphere for economic stimulation, both directly and indirectly, across all sectors,” the minister said.
The opening ceremony was broadcast on Lao National Television and the Lao public security, Vientiane, and Lao army television stations via satellite so the whole world could tune in and also watch the event on Facebook.
The government hopes to attract at least 2.7 million foreign tourists next year, generating revenue of about US$401 million, while in 2025 tourist arrivals are forecast to reach 2.9 million and generate income of US$434 million.
The government has organised previous promotional campaigns to attract tourists, including two Visit Laos Years, Visit Laos-China Year, and Lao Thiao Laos, which drew a large number of visitors.
During Visit Laos Year 2018, visitor arrivals topped 4.1 million, up 8.2 percent compared to 2017.
During Visit Laos-China Year 2019, Laos welcomed 4.58 million foreign visitors, representing an increase of 9 percent over 2018.
This year That Luang festival is held from November 23-27. Alms-giving in the early morning on November 27, hockey game at 1 pm, and candlelit processions in the evening.
Visitors will find many stalls selling ODOP products, farmers’ produce, handicrafts, furniture, clothing, and electrical items. There will also be colourful traditional activities and ceremonies to pay homage to the stupa, including the “wax castle” procession.

By Times​ Reporters​
 (Latest Update November 24, 2023)