Vangvieng seeking more investors in tourism
Vangvieng seeking more investors in tourism
Well-known Lao adventure tourism destination Vangvieng district is eager to cooperate with investors to further develop activities in order to draw even more visitors.
Vangvieng has seen strong growth in tourist numbers from more than 450,000 in 2014 to more than 500,000 up to the end of 2015, along with an increase in income of 7-8 percent.
The strong growth has the potential to attract investors in tourism infrastructure development which in turn would increase options for both domestic and foreign visitors, according to local authorities.
Head of the Vangvieng Information, Culture and Tourism Office, Mr Bounmy Phommasa, said yesterday the district now had an extended zip-line activity targeting the adventure tourism market with its Tarzan-like experience.
In addition to the existing attractions, Mr Bounmy said Vangvieng district was working with investors on possible new projects.
“The district is now talking to a representative from a Korean company looking at potentially installing cable car routes from Pha Daeng cliff and Phoukham cave,” he said.
“Lao Skyway has also submitted documents that propose offering helicopter joy flights every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
The district was still waiting for the airline's staff to spell out the exact details of the project, Mr Bounmy added.
Meanwhile, the district's old airport would be turned into a public park where visitors could stroll and admire the spectacular mountain scenery. Mr Bounmy couldn't say when work on the project might begin as the district was still evaluating potential contractors.
The department expected Korean visitor numbers to rise even further this year as they don't require a visa to enter Laos and can take direct flights from Seoul to Vientiane.
More tourists from China were also expected next month during the Chinese New Year holiday.
With tourism picking up, the department is in talks with other district sectors regarding the reopening of more restaurants along the Nam Song River to complement other adventure activities such as tubing, kayaking, climbing, cycling, trekking, boat trips and quad bike riding.
