A SYMPOSIUM for Lao tourism stakeholders last week illuminated how the industry can improve tourism and prepare for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.
Organised by the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH), the symposium was opened last Friday by Lao National Tourism Department director general, Saly Phimphinith. It was held at the Luang Prabang View Hotel.
The symposium featured keynote presentations and a panel discussion that threw up a number of central themes, including the need for more clout for the National Tourism Department in the government; a streamlined, efficient system of regulations for the industry; a sustainable pace for the evolution of Lao tourism; and for the industry to keep up to date with digital trends.
PATA special advisor, John Koldowski, said: “To act fast, Laos really needs a separate ministry dedicated to tourism, but it must move at a pace it is comfortable with to achieve sustainable growth.”
He also said that technology is key for the AEC platform, and Laos needs to accrue and monitor tourism statistics, while also communicating such information to stakeholders.
Lao public and private sectors need to collaborate for a circular economy that allows communities like Luang Prabang to maintain its identity while harnessing the benefits of tourism, opined Koldowski.
Likewise, TripAdvisor’s destination marketing senior sales manager, Sarah Matthews, emphasised cooperation with the private sector. She said both private sector and the tourism board must agreement on target markets and products, and develop brand awareness by engaging in the digital environment.
Other topics raised were Laos’ approach to the ASEAN Open Skies policy, importance of air travel to Luang Prabang from mid- to longhaul markets and marketing content on websites.
