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./.