Vientiane: During the 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature on June 13, 2025, the Lao National Assembly praised the government’s efforts in making Visit Lao Year 2024 a success. Lawmakers called for further enhancements to bolster the tourism sector.
According to Lao News Agency, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Ms. Suansavanh Vingaket, presented a report highlighting the program’s achievements and future plans. The National Assembly acknowledged the ministry’s work, which successfully attracted numerous tourists to Laos, both from within the country and internationally.
Mr. Keorattana Silavong, an Assembly member from Champasak Province, commended the national and provincial-level events, as well as overseas campaigns, which contributed to the growth of Lao tourism. He urged improvements in systems for tracking tourist numbers at various entry points, emphasizing that accurate data would assist in calculating fees for the tourism development fund.
Mr. Silavong also addressed the urgent need to upgrade transport infrastructure. He pointed out that many tour buses are outdated and unsafe, leading to frequent breakdowns and accidents. He proposed policies to facilitate the import of quality vehicles and improve transport stations, as well as enforcing safety standards for drivers.
To attract more visitors, he recommended the continuous promotion of key tourist sites both locally and internationally. He noted that recent visa exemptions for neighboring countries had increased tourist numbers and suggested that the government consider expanding the list of visa-free countries. Improving roads to major tourist sites was also identified as a priority to enhance travel experiences for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Ms. Suayphet Thongsambath, an Assembly member from Houaphan Province, highlighted that tourism is one of the province’s five key economic sectors. Despite having 158 tourist sites, Houaphan’s potential is limited by poor roads and underdeveloped facilities. She advocated for quicker road upgrades, especially between Vientiane and the northern provinces, and improved infrastructure at attractions like the Stone Garden. Additionally, she noted that many guesthouses and restaurants still lack basic amenities.
Ms. Suayphet also emphasized the importance of stronger environmental protection measures in tourist areas, including stricter waste management and public awareness campaigns.