15-5-2024 (VIENTIANE) In the first three months of 2024, Laos welcomed more than 1.1 million foreign tourists, marking a 36 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to reports from Lao national TV on Wednesday.
Thailand contributed the highest number of visitors, totalling 347,595, followed by 264,710 from Vietnam and 242,404 from China. This significant uptick in tourism is largely attributed to the launch of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign and the increasing popularity of the China-Laos Railway.
The China-Laos Railway, which traverses northern Laos including the scenic provinces of Luang Prabang and Oudomxay, has become a favoured mode of travel for tourists. These provinces are known for their captivating adventure activities and numerous attractions, enhancing their appeal to international visitors.
As part of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign, tourism authorities and operators have focused on enhancing the quality of services at hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. They have also upgraded facilities at tourist sites to offer visitors a more enjoyable and engaging experience.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos has set an ambitious target for 2024, aiming to attract over 2.2 million domestic tourists and approximately 4 million international visitors. The projected revenue from these efforts is expected to reach around US$1.3 billion.
