Time to Vote

The ballot box is now open to vote for the Planeta Ecotourism Spotlight Award 2009, with Ecotourism Laos looking for its third win in a row. The award was established in 2007 to create incentives for communication, opportunities for conversation and a reward for participation among government leaders working toward ecotourism and responsible travel. The winner will be announced on World Tourism Day (September 27).

Vote now at Planeta.com.

World Ecotourism Conference 2009

Over 300 delegates took part in the World Ecotourism Conference 2009 held in Vientiane on 15-17 July, which culminated in the Vientiane Declaration with a vision to: “Mainstream ecotourism’s sustainable principles, processes and practices into all tourism to meet the challenges of the Energy-Climate Era and responsibly express localization and cultural differences.” The accompanying Green Tourism Exhibition featured regional tourism organisations and tour operators as well as Laos’ Provincial Tourism Departments.

Visit www.weco2009laos.com.

Experience the Life of the Hidden Hill Tribes

Lao Youth Travel is now offering a 3-day/2-night trekking and boat journey to Luang Prabang’s ethnic communities. The expedition heads up the Nam Ou River from Muang Ngoi to the Lao Loum village of Ban Hatsa, hikes to a Hmong village for an overnight stay, and continues to a mountaintop Khmu village for a home stay or a camp out. Nearly all tour fees go to village funds, building schools, hiring local boats and guides, and paying villagers for food and home stays.

Visit www.laoyouthtravel.com.