Luang Prabang's tourism revenue growing
Luang Prabang's tourism revenue growing
In the world heritage town of Luang Prabang tourism revenue in the first nine months has been rising steadily.
Income has grown to US$ 137,305 from t he US$ 92,628 it was in the same period last year.
According to the report from the Department of Luang Prabang Tourism on the first nine months of this year, income for the year is expected to climb to US$163,450.
The report showed the number of tourists travelling to Luang Prabang province in the first nine months was 470,279, an increase of 16 percent, which means the province will comfortably reach its target of more than 500,000 visitors.
The province expects to gain a revenue increase of more than 1.41 trillion kip in the next five years, due to the good growth in income from tourism operations and a successful 85-9 0 percent collection rate on tax and duty from the trades and services sector, according to the Provincial Finance Department.
This year the province has seen a substantial increase in tourists from China and South Korea, thanks to the commencement of direct flights from Laos to China and Korea.
The data shows that the number of visitors from Europe, Asia and the Pacific in the first nine months reached 156,223, an increase of 21 percent compared to the same period last year.
Accordin g to the Tourism Marketing Department, Laos now is attracting more tourists from China and South Korea lured by the country's rich blend of nature, culture, traditions and the Lao people's lifestyle to destinations such as Vientiane, Vangvieng, Luang Prabang and Pakxe.
Tourist nu mbers coming to Laos continued their year on year growth with expectations they will achiev e the goal of 4.2 million for this year.
These factors will aid in pushing investment growth for further tourism in Luang Prabang.
