Laos capital Vientiane launches sustainable tourism initiative with innovative technology for growth
This project is a collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital and Packon Company Limited from Thailand.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 28 January to formalize the partnership and pave the way for tourism development in the capital.
A key focus will be conducting research to explore opportunities for expanding activities at existing and potential new attractions within the city. This includes studying the feasibility of sustainable tourism practices and developing a viable business model.
In addition to tourism, the project will address infrastructure improvements. Plans include enhancing water and clean energy management to support the growing needs of the tourism industry. Efforts will focus on reliable electricity and oil supplies, as well as efficient water management systems for drinking water, drainage, and wastewater treatment.
The initiative will also advance communication technologies, such as the implementation of 5G networks and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, to improve data management for city services. This will contribute to safer urban areas and better health standards for residents.
Further improvements will target key aspects of city infrastructure, including road construction, traffic management, transportation systems, waste management, and flood control measures.
In addition, the project aims to enhance tourist satisfaction by integrating technology to create a more seamless experience.
Mobile applications will be developed to assist tourists, service providers, and business owners in areas such as entry and exit systems, tour guides, transportation, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations.
These innovations are intended to meet international quality standards while preserving the unique aspects of Vientiane's tourism offerings.
The initiative will also focus on developing new attractions along the Mekong River and at That Luang Lake, including upgrading the night market along the river, creating pedestrian-friendly walking streets, and enhancing other popular tourist sites.
Electric tour buses will be introduced as a new symbol of Vientiane Capital, contributing to a greener, more sustainable tourism experience. - Laotian Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Laos, ADB ink US$63mil package to transform agrifood systems
Deputy Minister of Finance Mr Soulivath Souvannachoumkham and ADB Country Director for the Lao PDR Shanny Campbell shaking hands after signing financing agreements. - VT VIENTIANE: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a set of financing agreements worth US$63 million to support the transformation of agrifood systems in Laos through the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project. The US$50 million in financing is provided by ADB, the Asean Infrastructure Fund, and the European Union-Asean Catalytic Green Finance Facility. An additional US$13 million in grants also comes from the Asian Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund, channelled through the Community Resilience Partnership Programme Investment Fund, totalling US$63 million. The Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project aims to enhance climate resilience, improve food security and nutrition, increase household incomes, and strengthen high-value agricultural exports across selected provinces. The agreements were signed in Vientiane on July 23 by Deputy Minister of Finance, Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, on behalf of the Lao government, and ADB Country Director for the Lao PDR, Shanny Campbell. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from relevant government ministries and the Ambassador of the European Union to Laos. 'The project supports the Lao PDR government's efforts to accelerate agriculture sector growth and deliver benefits to households and agribusinesses,' Soulivath said. 'On behalf of the government of Laos, I would like to thank our development partners, particularly ADB and the European Union, for their continued support.' The project will strengthen agrifood systems geared towards domestic and export markets for high-value commodities. It will provide investments in commercial financing, privatised technical services, small-scale infrastructure, and food safety initiatives. Financial services will be delivered nationwide through banks and microfinance institutions, while targeted technical advisory services and infrastructure development will be implemented in six provinces—Champasak, Saravan and Xekong in the south, and Huaphan, Phongsaly and Xayabouly in the north. Key commodities such as bamboo, coffee, durian, sustainable cassava, and tea will receive targeted support to enhance value addition before export. 'By supporting national efforts for agrifood systems transformation, the project will benefit communities and enterprises while also contributing to the country's economic growth,' Ms Campbell said. 'This project is an integral element of ADB's broader country programme in support of the government's social and economic development agenda.' Laos' agriculture sector has considerable growth potential, driven by rising domestic and regional demand. However, realising this potential requires greater competitiveness and resilience in agrifood systems, along with improved food security and increased export capacity. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, with support from the Bank of the Lao PDR, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Laos aims to improve workforce skills and also expand job access for its youth
VIENTIANE (Xinhua: The Lao government, in collaboration with its partner, has launched a skills testing and certification program to improve national workforce standards and promote fair employment opportunities nationwide. The programme was officially launched on Wednesday in Lao capital Vientiane, bringing together key development partners, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders, according to a report from the Lao Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare on Thursday. In his speech, Lao Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Phongsaysak Inthalath highlighted the importance of skills testing in assessing workers' abilities and recognizing informal skills according to national standards. He emphasized that certification allows experienced workers, especially those without formal qualifications, to gain official recognition, promoting lifelong learning and encouraging continuous upskilling to meet evolving market and technological demands. He added that skills testing is a vital tool for matching employees with suitable jobs and ensuring fair, skills-based pay. It also helps reduce labor turnover, retain skilled workers, and ease migration pressures. The program targets young people, early school leavers, low-skilled workers, and marginalized groups, aiming to equip them with market-relevant vocational skills to enhance their employment prospects and economic resilience. It also supports the government's broader efforts to empower women, youth, and self-employed individuals by improving access to quality skills training. A key goal of the program is to test and certify 250,000 individuals nationwide between 2026 and 2030, contributing to the development of a more capable, competitive, and inclusive workforce. The initiative is expected to boost Laos' socio-economic development by increasing productivity and preparing the labor force to meet the demands of both regional and global markets. - Xinhua
Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
Kita MADANI Carnival To Spotlight Unique Products By Entrepreneurs Nationwide
REGION - SOUTHERN > NEWS JOHOR BAHRU, July 24 (Bernama) -- The Kita MADANI Carnival, which will run from tomorrow until July 27 in conjunction with the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas in Muar, is set to feature unique products by micro and small entrepreneurs across the country. Department of Information (JaPen) director-general, Julina Johan, said that 14 Komuniti MADANI entrepreneurs' booths will showcase products, including traditional food and handicrafts that reflect each state's identity, as well as high-quality local herbal, cosmetic, and innovative goods. bootstrap slideshow "These Komuniti MADANI booths serve as an important platform to highlight the uniqueness of each state and the capabilities of local talents in entrepreneurship," she told Bernama here today. According to her, the public can purchase essential items at affordable prices during the MADANI Rahmah Sale, Agro MADANI Sale, and Kasih Johor Sale events. "In addition, through the Food Truck Selera MADANI, visitors can enjoy a variety of Johor dishes and trending foods specially brought in by nearly 15 food truck operators," she said. Julina said visitors can also look forward to a variety of activities, including the Bintang Suara MADANI singing competition, a children's colouring contest, the Fiesta Seni MADANI, interactive exhibitions, and mobile government services. Side events will also be held, including Bakti Komuniti MADANI at Taman Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah on July 26, Merdeka 6.8KM Fun Run & Walk, and the flag-off for the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2025 will take place on July 27 at the same venue. "The Komuniti MADANI retreat will be held at Bistari Mini Stadium in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, on July 26," she added.
