Ministry announces dates of Asean Tourism Forum 2024

The Asean Tourism Forum 2024 (ATF)​ will be held in Vientiane from January 22-27, with the official opening to take place on January 24, under the theme “Quality and Responsible Tourism - Sustaining Asean Future”.

Minister​ of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket​, addresses a meeting im Vientiane yesterday.

The dates were announced at a meeting held in Vientiane on Thursday to report on the progress of preparations for the forum, chaired by the Minister​ of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket.
Participants discussed appropriate ways to carry out various tasks to ensure that all preparations are completed successfully and on schedule.
“We still have a lot of work to do, such as revising the ATF 2024 action plan, creating a travel programme for delegates, and ensuring that restaurants serve up good quality food in a clean environment,” the minister said.
“In addition, we must make sure that entry and exit procedures at border crossings are well organised, and that we can import all the goods and equipment needed by visiting delegates.”​
Director General of the ministry’s Tourism Marketing Department, Mr Khom Douangchantha, said a lot of progress had already been made in preparing for the forum.
A city tour programme has been drawn up and travel agents will create travel programmes, written in English, to sell to delegates wishing to explore Laos during their visit.
“We will also station staff at airports, hotels, meeting venues, exhibition centres and other locations to assist delegates if necessary,” Mr Khom said.
The forum is viewed as a golden opportunity for Laos to advertise the country’s many exciting tourist destinations to a huge international audience.
Laos previously hosted the Asean Tourism Forum in 2004 and 2013, which led to a surge in visitor numbers in subsequent years.
Laos is an intriguing destination for foreign visitors keen to explore the country’s scenic attractions and observe local lifestyles and traditions.
The government is increasingly emphasising the country’s potential as a nature-based tourist destination.
There are also colourful traditions to be observed among Laos’ many ethnic groups, while old temples and historical sites are another drawcard.
Luang Prabang city’s old quarter was listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 1995 and is Laos’ most popular visitor attraction.
Vat Phou temple in Champassak province and the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province are also world heritage sites.​
Almost​ 1.7 million foreign tourists visited Laos in the first six months of this year, with Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese​ nationals topping the list.

By Times​ Reporters​
 (Latest Update October 6, 2023)