Laos, Russia positive about tourism cooperation
Laos, Russia positive about tourism cooperation
Laos and Russia will conduct a joint survey on tourism facilities in Laos, aiming to better accommodate Russian visitors to the country.
They will also discuss the possibility of building links with Cambodia and Vietnam for travel between the respective nations.
This is the main objective of the two Memoranda of Understanding signed between Lao tourism officials and representatives from Russia's Primorsky Kray (far eastern administrative division) Department of International Cooperation and Tourism.
The survey will also involve the possibility of organising charter flights to carry Russian travellers from Vladivostok to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and setting up tour programmes for them.
The memoranda were reached at the 17th Pacific International Tourism Expo held in Vladivostok, Russia from May 17 to 19. Both sides will also discuss the improvement of technical tourism skills for civil servants, and the need for the Lao authorities to train Russian speaking guides.
Director General of the Tourism Promotion Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Saly Phimphinith, who attended the expo, said that a number of Russian people expressed their desire to visit Laos.
Vladivostok is located at the head of Golden Horn Bay, and not far from China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
“With the demands of Russian tourists, and the fact that Vladivostok is not far from our country, we think that charter flights and tour programmes will be possible,” Mr Saly said.
12 countries in the region displayed their tourism potential and resources at the expo, while Inter Lao Tourism, the longest established operator in the country also participated at the event.
Mr Saly thanked Laos' Honorary Consulate in Vladivostok, Mr Alexander Virich, for his cooperation and assistance that contributed to the success of the delegation at the event.
vientiane times
