Vangvieng sees greater tourism revenue
Vangvieng sees greater tourism revenue
Well-known Lao adventure tourism destination Vangvieng district in Vientiane province expects its revenue to continue to rise to more than 70 billion kip this year, according to local authorities.
Head of the Vangvieng Tourism Department, Mr Bounmy Phommasa estimated that tourism income would grow at seven percent by the end of this year compared to last year as tourists carry on flowing in to town even though the Nam Xong river flooded last month.
The number of tourist arrivals is expected to hit 540,000 this year, Mr Bounmy said, an increase of 7-8 percent.
Many people come to Vangvieng to take part in adventure activities such as tubing, kayaking, climbing, cycling, trekking, boat trips and quad bike riding, he noted.
Vangvieng has seen strong growth in tourist numbers from more than 450,000 in 2014 to more than 500,000 in 2015.
The district's tourism sector can thank the growing number of tour groups from Asia, up 50 percent, with more Koreans, Chinese, and Thai visitors coming to the town.
European visitors were also up 45 percent and those from other countries 5 percent, which shows the town's tourism industry is springing back to life.
Mr Bounmy explained 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.
In addition to the existing attractions, Mr Bounmy said Vangvieng district would be working with investors on possible new projects.
The district has talked to a representative from a Korean company looking at potentially installing cable cars routes from Pha Daeng cliff and Phoukham cave.
Meanwhile, the district's old airport will be turned into a public park where visitors can stroll and admire the spectacular mountain scenery but Mr Bounmy couldn't say when work on the project might begin as the district is still evaluating potential contractors.
Vangvieng is usually more crowded with backpackers in the period from October to December which brings more income to the town, local tour guides said.
