Sunday, October 6, 2024 Laos experienced a significant surge in international tourism, welcoming 2.6 million foreign visitors between January and August 2024, marking a 19% increase compared to the 2.2 million visitors during the same period in 2023.
According to a report from the Lao Economic Daily, as cited by Xinhua news agency, Thailand, Vietnam, and China were the top sources of international travelers to the Southeast Asian nation during this period. Domestic tourism in Laos also saw remarkable growth, with 2.3 million local trips recorded in the first eight months of 2024, an astounding 84.
2% rise from the previous year. This surge in both international and domestic tourism has contributed to Laos generating approximately $801 million in revenue from foreign tourists so far this year. The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism has set an ambitious target for 2024, aiming for over 6 million combined Lao and foreign tourists to explore the country’s natural and cultural treasures.
As part of its efforts to attract more visitors, the government has introduced visa-free entry and extended stay durations for tourists from select countries, aligning with its “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign. To further enhance the tourism experience, the Lao government has taken steps to address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry. A national tour guide training program was recently launched to ensure the availability of qualified personnel to accommodate the grow.
