Tourist arrivals to Laos skyrocket

After a quiet period due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Laos is showing signs of rapid recovery, especially at the ancient capital of Luang Prabang - a World Cultural Heritage - in the northern region of the country.
Tourist arrivals to Laos skyrocket ảnh 1The ancient capital of Luang Prabang (Photo:Getty Images) 

Vientiane (VNA) - After a quiet period dueto the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Laos is showingsigns of rapid recovery, especially at the  ancient capital of Luang Prabang  - a World Cultural Heritage - in the northern region of the country.

According to Luang Prabang Department of Information,Culture and Tourism, the province welcomed more than 273,000 tourists in thefirst three months of this year, of whom 240,000 were foreign arrivals, earningsfrom tourism accounted for more than 157 million USD.

Tourism is one of the six important priorities in Laos'socio-economic development plan. In 2019, Laos welcomed more than 4.79 millioninternational tourists and during post 2020, the industry wasone of the three largest sources of foreign currency revenue of Laos besideselectricity and mineral exports. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has almostparalysed the industry.

Since reopening the country in May 2022, Laos' tourism industry hasgradually recovered and is showing signs of improvement. To ensure the goodimplementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan for the periodof 2021-2025, the Lao government is striving to attract at least 1.4 million foreign tourists this year./.

VNA

See more

President Prabowo Subianto delivers his remarks at the launch of the Indonesian Planting Movement in Ogan Ilir, Palembang, South Sumatra, on April 23 (Photo: Antara)

Indonesian president launches movement against waste

Speaking at the launch of the Indonesian Planting Movement in Ogan Ilir, Palembang, South Sumatra on April 23, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto urged citizens to begin with simple but impactful actions, such as keeping their surroundings clean and protecting the environment.

Kaspersky’s general manager for Southeast Asia Yeo Siang Tiong (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia unveils cybersecurity strategy 2025–2030

Kaspersky’s general manager for Southeast Asia Yeo Siang Tiong said the strategies have been carefully designed to strengthen the nation’s cyber defence system and underscore the country’s firm commitment to building a secure and trustworthy cyberspace.

Deputy Chair of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono in a meeting with the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo, at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore on April 23. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia emphasises ASEAN’s role in anchoring regional peace, balance

Speaking at a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo on April 23, Yudhoyono said that Indonesia and Singapore must increase collaboration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an anchor for peace and balance, and maintain these good relations.

The article titled “Cambodia and Vietnam are developing together in the new era” published on Khmer Times on April 23 (Screenshot photo)

Vietnam, Cambodia advance together in new era: Cambodian scholar

A Cambodian scholar has underlined the historical significance of Vietnam’s victory to liberate the South and reunify the nation on April 30, 1975, saying that it was a profoundly significant political event, and an unique and miraculous heroic epic for the Vietnamese, which encouraged and promoted the struggle for independence and freedom.

The increasing role of AI in identity verification through facial recognition has further driven demand for data centre services in the financial sector. (Photo: Bangkokpost)

Thailand's data centre services market to expand 8% in 2025

Data centre services are expected to account for 43.3% of the overall Thai data centre market this year, with the remainder coming from companies' investment in their own data centres, according to Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research).

Singaporean Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong (R) (Photo: scmp.com)

Singapore launches election campaign

According to regulations, the campaign period will last until just before polling day on May 3. Political parties with six or more candidates are allowed to participate in two Political Party Broadcasts (PPBs) for the general election.

The Thai PM explains that the funds were allocated based on village size (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand releases 330 million USD to boost grassroots development

The village fund programme in Thailand has operated for over 20 years, circulating more than 300 billion THB (8.9 billion USD) to date. She credited the initiative to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, which was continued and expanded by former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2012 with additional budget allocations.

Thailand is working to promote high-value cruise tourism. (Source: BangkokPost)

Thailand promotes cruise tourism

Last year, Thailand recorded 162 cruise ship calls, carrying 379,036 passengers and 163,331 crew members, generating 1.89 billion THB (56.5 million USD) in revenue, a 6.9% increase from 2023. Leading source markets include Singapore, the UK, Malaysia, the US, and Germany.

ASEAN, US hold 37th annual dialogue in Cambodia (Photo: Getty)

ASEAN, US hold 37th annual dialogue in Cambodia

The co-chairs highlighted the strong and durable partnership with ASEAN over the past 48 years. They discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including the importance of facilitating a free and open Indo-Pacific. O’Neill further expressed the need to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.