(KPL) By 2015, Laos expects some 3.4 million tourist arrivals, which will generate USD 100 million for the country, said the president of the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA).
“For couples of years, tourism has significantly contributed to the socio-economic development in the country, especially in generating income for Lao people,” said Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, LNTA President.
He said that the government’s policy on eco-tourism, promotion of tourism potentials in the country such as cultural tourism, natural tourism and historical tourism, has significantly contributed to the constant growth in tourism sector of the country.
Upon the implementation of the tourism promotion policy, the number of tourists has increased at an annual rate of 20 per cent. In the year 2000, the number of tourist arrivals was over 700,000 tourists, and climbed up to 1.8 million visitors in the previous year 2008-2009 with the earnings of USD 290 million for the country.
The Lao National Tourism Administration on Monday launched a human resource development strategy for tourism “Strengthening of Human Resources in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and Tourism Industry in Laos”.
The project is the cooperation between the Administration, the National University of Laos, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Lao Tourism Business Association, and the Lao Hotels and Restaurants’ Association, and the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Among activities of the project is the establishment of the National Tourism and Hospitality Training Centre.
“The centre shall become an excellent model for tourism education and training,” said Mr. Somphong.
The Lao National Tourism Administration and its partners have formulated and developed teaching curriculum to ensure the development in tourism sector. However, according to the LNTA president, the development of human resources by the Administration and its partners does not meet the demand of tourism and tourism related services both in terms of quality and quantity due to the fast growth in these tourism and services.
KPL Lao News Agency
