Serve as an International Platform for Exchange and Jointly Promote the Revitalization of Asian Tourism Market
On August 18, the 2022 Asian Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference with the theme of "Amity, Sincerity, Mutual Benefit, Inclusiveness, Cooperation, and Sharing——Jointly Building a New Future for Asian Mountain Tourism" was held in Guiyang, Guizhou Province. Khamphao Ernthavanh, Ambassador of Laos to China, addressed (online) the opening ceremony.
The following is the full text of the speech:
Hello, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen!
I speak highly of this Conference. I believe that it is an important forum where “everyone can exchange concepts and experience of mountain tourism development in Asia,” and in the future, it will keep making contributions to the cooperation in the tourism industry.
Dear guests,
For long, Laos has always treated tourism as a critical driving force of our socioeconomic development. In other words, tourism, no matter what development stage it is in, can help Lao people shake off poverty, and create higher incomes for our government. Our government has also implemented all sorts of policies to motivate and give full play to scenic areas with development edges, such as cultural, natural, and historical tourist attractions. In addition, as a country boasting profuse mountain tourism resorts, Lao People’s Democratic Republic enjoys plenty of world heritages and other types of scenic spots, attracting many domestic and overseas tourists. For example, we have Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang, Vat Phou in Champasak, Phou Hin Pham Nuo in Khammouan, Phou Khoun Viewpoint and Blue Plateau View Point in Luang Prabang, and many other scenic areas.
Nowadays, we are also promoting the combination of culture and tourism. For instance, the Lao government has decided to reopen the borders for tourists worldwide, and made clear instructions on the managing and planning of green tourism areas. First, we will carry out pandemic control and prevention measures, then we will take three steps to gradually receive overseas visitors. Chinese visitors are among the first to be welcomed to Laos.
Dear guests,
I firmly believe, with the mutual help and cooperation between relevant departments and authorities, especially the cooperation between the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, Asian tourism, including Asian mountain tourism, will soon be restored to its former glory. And, when the COVID-19 tension eases up, things will soon go back to normal.
Embassy of Laos in Beijing, capital of China, will try its best to support, encourage, and facilitate the development of tourism, and bridge two countries to work hand in hand, in order to contribute to the progress of tourism, and benefit the people of the two countries, as well as people in all of our neighbor countries in Asia.
Last, I wish everyone all the best!
When the COVID-19 tension eases up, I would like to invite everyone here to have a trip to Laos, and seek more opportunities of cooperation and investment in our tourism projects.
