Champassak sets out tourism development plans
Champassak sets out tourism development plans
Over the next five years (2016-2020), Champassak province is planning to develop its three main tourist attractions, the Siphandone special economic zone, Pakxong on the Bolaven Plateau and the Pakxe Mekong Riverbank to attract more tourists and investment.
Deputy Director of Champassak province's Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Ms Mala Chanthalam, said yesterday that the tourism department is working with the authorities to develop these areas.
She said recently that the department is talking about developing the Pakxe Mekong Riverbank into a night market and a departure point for tourists who want to take cruises along the Mekong, aiming to provide shopping opportunities and an enjoyable night time atmosphere.
Champassak authorities also plan to restore some areas along the Mekong Riverbank in Pakxe and build huts for tourists.
Pakxe will continue to develop its facilities this year, hoping to further realise its potential as a green city in Laos.
The Siphandone area is well known among backpackers, including the islands of Don Det and Don Khone, where they can relax and unwind, enjoy the beautiful natural environment and witness the life of the local fishermen.
Nearby, the Siphandone special economic zone will be developed as a centre of trade and tourism, featuring restaurants, hotels, resorts, and other facilities which will help attract an inflow of investors and longer stays by tourists.
Pakxong on the Bolaven Plateau is well known for its coffee trees and strawberries but the department is planning to develop this area as a vast tropical fruit garden to encourage tourists to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits along with their coffee.
Champassak has a total of 20 tourist sites including those being newly developed, which were able to attract more than 600,000 tourists last year, an increase of 15 percent compared to 2014.
Ms Mala believes the province would attract more tourists in accordance with its target of 700,000 visitors this year if facilities were improved, especially the infrastructure developments required to attract investors to build hotels and guesthouses to international standards and draw high-end tourists.
At present there are 64 hotels, 250 guesthouses and 12 resorts in the province with 10 more hotels under construction, according to the department.
“Champassak has the potential to become a centre for tourism in the south, if tourism activities are improved and local lifestyles and the natural environment are preserved, which will drive the tourism industry towards further growth,” officials said.
