(KPL) With the realization of tourism sector’s fundamental contribution in livelihood opportunities for Lao people, the Ministry of Information, Cultural and Tourism with the support of UNDP in the Lao PDR has determined the paths to the recovery of the tourism industry in the country.

The roadmap for the Lao PDR’s Tourism COVID-19 Recovery for 2021 -2025 was launched on Oct 21 with the presence of Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Ounethouang Khaophanh; and Resident Representative of UNDP in the Lao PDR Ricarda Rieger.

The Tourism COVID-19 Recovery Roadmap 2021 – 2025 was the product of the joint effort between the government and the private sector- an initiative led by Ministry of Information, Cultural and Tourism  with financial support from UNDP in the Lao PDR.

It not only reflects the current challenges and adverse impacts on tourism sector, but also draws up measures to address issues strategically.

In his opening remark, Vice Minister Ounthouang Khaophanh said that in 2020 alone, there was a major decrease of the tourist volume by 75% and resulted in the loss of 80% of the overall tourism revenue due to Covid-19 travel measures. This had an adverse impact to the economy and consequently people’s livelihoods in a large scale.

Speaking at the launch, UNDP Resident Representative Ricarda Rieger, highlighted that “Green and sustainable tourism has a great potential for the Lao PDR in post-COVID-19 recovery.”

The roadmap covers three main policy options which include:  support and promote domestic tourism, establish travel bubbles with countries with low risks, and greening of tourism for environment-friendliness and for better long-term recovery.

The roadmap covers three recovery themes focusing on: protecting jobs and intervention to revive the tourism sector; building confidence and strengthening the sector; improving, expanding, and diversifying the tourism products, services, and markets.

Ms. Rieger also stressed the importance of cooperation and concerted actions by Government, development partners, and private sector to help the country recover and rebuild a stronger tourism sector in the country.

“With rich natural resources and biodiversity, Laos can offer an opportunity to promote nature-based tourism for sustainable and inclusive growth which will lead to green jobs and livelihood opportunities, a green recovery, and green growth as a part of the 9th  National Social Economic Development Plan” Ms. Rieger said.

The completion of the Laos-China Railway presents a potential boost in the trade and the tourism industry from the expected increased flow of regional and international tourists due to the significant cut in the travel time.

Ms. Rieger closed her remark by suggesting that, “with the current situation on battling with high level of daily COVID -19 cases, health safety for all public and private sectors and travellers is imperative, should there be a consideration to reopen or travel bubble in the near future.”

“This Roadmap will be highly important for the recovery of the tourism sector in the Lao PDR. In order to achieve the objectives set in the roadmap, the Government of Laos will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to mobilise resources and technical support for its implementation in the near future and upcoming years,” Khaophanh emphasized.

The launch took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where strict measures have been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There were also remote participants representing relevant ministries, information, culture and tourism departments from provinces across the country, educational institutions, businesses from central and local governments, embassies and development partners, participating in the event through teleconferencing or video conferencing.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by KPL NEWS AGENCY

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