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Subscribe to
What's New @
Ecotoursm Laos. |
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The Vientiane Planning and Investment Department has announced plans to develop three Mekong River islands near the Lao capital as "green resorts" to attract tourists, and is seeking private sector investors to construct and operate hotels and other facilities on Xingxou, Sangkhi, and Kangkhong Islands.
The total developments cost for Xingxou is estimated at USD120 million, while the figure for Sangkhi and Kangkhong is an estimated USD10 million each, a government spokesperson said. The aim is to develop the sites "as green resorts offering relaxation and water sport activities such as jet skiing and fishing," the Vientiane Times reported.
For more information, visit: www.invest.laopdr.org |
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The Lao Tourism Marketing Board (LTMB) held a launch conference on 1 March in Vientiane at the Don Chan Palace to introduce all directors and the president of the LTMB, and to present the overall function and objectives of the board and the different key areas and strategic objectives of the marketing strategy and plan for 2011.
The recently established LTMB aims to develop and implement the tourism marketing strategy for Laos, forge a partnership between the public and private sectors to globally market Lao tourism, and develop and implement a long-term tourism development strategy.
The LTMB will also target nature and adventure lovers and action tourists from these and other markets, mainly through the Internet. To accomplish this, a new website with all products and services will be developed and various internet and social media campaigns has been suggested.
To fund the LTMB's initiatives, a new system to collect fees from tourists will be implemented this year. Capping the LTMB's debut is a professionally designed logo that reflects public-private sector cooperation, harmony, and clarity as well as a professional and strategic approach to destination marketing.
For more information, email: [email protected]
To view the press release, click here
To view the minutes, click here
To view the LTMB Handout, click here
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The Knowledge Media Group launched Yunnan Mekong Travel at the Asean Tourism Forum, to promote tourism, arts and culture of the Greater Mekong Sub-region, China and Southeast Asia. The bimonthly magazine is published in English and Chinese and includes features on China's Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Yunnan Mekong Travel will be distributed in China, all Greater Mekong Sub-region countries, and other Southeast Asian nations.
The inaugural edition includes several topical articles including "Laos' New Shade of Green", "Xishuangbanna-Exotic Destination of Yunnan", and "Unique Art and Craft of the Peoples of Shangri-La, Yunnan." According to Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Jaffee Yee Yeow-fei a digital edition is currently under construction at its website.
For more information, www.KnowledgeMediaGroup.com
Email: [email protected]
To download "Laos' New Shade of Green", click here. |
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Wild Asia is now accepting applications for its 2011 Responsible Tourism Awards to recognize accommodation establishment and tour operators, who conserve local culture and environment while boosting local economies. The submission deadline is 31 March 2011.
Wild Asia's Responsible Tourism Awards program, now in its 6th year, helps promote responsible tourism by creating rewards, sharing best practice examples, and inspiring change from within the travel industry in Asia.
Wild Asia encourages entries from all types and sizes of hotels, resorts, and home stays. The basic application process is designed to minimize the time it takes to enter, and only short-listed applicants will be asked to provide more detailed information. Contestants must fill in the entry form and Responsible Tourism checklist, which is aligned to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Global Sustainability Tourism Criteria.
For more information on Wild Asia
visit: www.wildasia.org
To apply for the award, contact Melissa Cornejo
at: [email protected]
To download the Responsible Tourism
checklist
click here. |
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The Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) wish to remind Greater Mekong Sub-region tourism stakeholders that there is still time to register for the Mekong Tourism Forum 2011 (MTF).
According to MTCO Executive Director Mason Florence, "The venue for the Mekong Tourism Forum 2011 was selected by officials from the LNTA, and the MTCO is in full support and very excited about the decision to host the event in such an fantastic, off-the-beaten-track destination. After all, as the theme for the MTF2011 will examine the emerging destinations of the GMS, I can't think of a better place in Laos than Paske. There are so many incredible things to see and do in and around Paske, from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vat Phou to the 4,000 islands, striking waterfalls and endless eco-adventures around Champasak Province."
In terms of access, the overland transport linkages into southern Laos have improved dramatically in recent years. Mr Florence said, "We're expecting a large percentage of participants to arrive via Ubon Ratchantani airport in northeast Thailand and cross into Laos via the Chong Mek border. Others will come up on the direct route from Phnom Penh via the Mekong Discovery Trail, and some from central Vietnam. If you look at the map of the area you'll see that all roads lead to Pakse! Of course from within Laos many road trippers will drive to Paske and a good number of people are also expected to arrive by air from Vientiane."
For more information on MTF 2011
visit: www.mekongtourism.org
To register for MTF 2011
visit: www.mekongtourism.org |
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Lao people open their arms to visitors wishing to participate in the mix of religious rituals and water-based jousting during the three-day Lao New Year from April 14-16. However, the nation comes to a standstill days before "Pii Mai" (New Year) as families hop busses to their home villages, and though transportation may be tight, journeys to more distant provinces are well worth the effort.
Pii Mai begins with a traditional housecleaning and preparing food for religious celebrations. Families visit shrines to pay homage to Buddha and their ancestors, cleanse Buddha statues, sprinkle lustral waters on elders' hand, and build small sand stupas on riverbanks, each grain representing a sin to be washed away.
The well-publicized "Water Wars" are rather subtle, but count on several dousings and talcum-paste facial smears. Feel free to join in, as fun-inspired soakings during the year's hottest days can be quite welcome. Tips: dress down, get a good water pistol, never get angry, carry everything in plastic bags, and wish everyone, "Sabaidee Pii Mai"…Happy New Year!
For more information, visit: www.tourismlaos.org |
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