ncr
28-01-07, 11:55 AM
Visa exemptions to boost tourism (http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeContent_visa.htm) - Vientiane Times, January 22, 2007
Following approval of a visa exemption for Japanese tourists, Laos is planning to grant exemptions to citizens of the Republic of Korea and certain European nations, government officials said on Friday. The visa exemption for Japanese tourists is aimed at making it easier for them to enjoy a short stay in Laos.
The Deputy Director General of the Consular Department, Mr Vanthong Boutthasavong, said the move was intended to boost the tourism industry, bringing in more revenue to help in the development process. An official from the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr Saly Phimphinith, said his administration proposed the visa exemption for the Japanese to the government four months ago. "I believe this policy will encourage more Japanese to visit Laos", he said.
There are broad cultural similarities associating Japan with the countries of ASEAN. Generally, Japanese tourists to the region are interested in learning about the cultures of several different countries during their trip. This makes it important for them to be able to pass easily from Vietnam into Laos, and to make other connections. Mr Saly said that Laos is increasingly connected with the rest of ASEAN both by land and air routes. Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodian airlines now directly connect to both Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and tourists can choose from a variety of routes when travelling in the region.
The number of Japanese visitors to Laos has been increasing annually. In 2004, the number of Japanese arrivals in Laos was around 23,000, and in 2005 the figure rose by 11 percent. Last year, representatives from 15 Japanese travel agencies came to conduct feasibility studies with a view to bringing more tourists to Laos. "We are seeking more ways to facilitate their visits to our country and their understanding of our culture and our hospitality", Mr Saly said. One Japanese tourist said she was interested to learn about Lao culture, because some aspects were similar to Japan, while others were very different. "If we understand each other, we can communicate better, and develop stronger relations", she said.
Agreements on visa exemptions are being planned for all ASEAN member countries. Tourism is rapidly expanding with regular, annual increases in tourist numbers. In 2005, the number of visitors exceeded one million for the first time, earning more than US$146 million in income. The number is expected to reach 1.2 million this year, and 2 million by 2010. The largest number of foreign tourists to Laos is from Thailand, followed by tourists from Vietnam and Europe, especially France, England and Germany. The government is also planning to grant visa exemptions to some European countries.
By VIENTIANE TIMES
Following approval of a visa exemption for Japanese tourists, Laos is planning to grant exemptions to citizens of the Republic of Korea and certain European nations, government officials said on Friday. The visa exemption for Japanese tourists is aimed at making it easier for them to enjoy a short stay in Laos.
The Deputy Director General of the Consular Department, Mr Vanthong Boutthasavong, said the move was intended to boost the tourism industry, bringing in more revenue to help in the development process. An official from the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr Saly Phimphinith, said his administration proposed the visa exemption for the Japanese to the government four months ago. "I believe this policy will encourage more Japanese to visit Laos", he said.
There are broad cultural similarities associating Japan with the countries of ASEAN. Generally, Japanese tourists to the region are interested in learning about the cultures of several different countries during their trip. This makes it important for them to be able to pass easily from Vietnam into Laos, and to make other connections. Mr Saly said that Laos is increasingly connected with the rest of ASEAN both by land and air routes. Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodian airlines now directly connect to both Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and tourists can choose from a variety of routes when travelling in the region.
The number of Japanese visitors to Laos has been increasing annually. In 2004, the number of Japanese arrivals in Laos was around 23,000, and in 2005 the figure rose by 11 percent. Last year, representatives from 15 Japanese travel agencies came to conduct feasibility studies with a view to bringing more tourists to Laos. "We are seeking more ways to facilitate their visits to our country and their understanding of our culture and our hospitality", Mr Saly said. One Japanese tourist said she was interested to learn about Lao culture, because some aspects were similar to Japan, while others were very different. "If we understand each other, we can communicate better, and develop stronger relations", she said.
Agreements on visa exemptions are being planned for all ASEAN member countries. Tourism is rapidly expanding with regular, annual increases in tourist numbers. In 2005, the number of visitors exceeded one million for the first time, earning more than US$146 million in income. The number is expected to reach 1.2 million this year, and 2 million by 2010. The largest number of foreign tourists to Laos is from Thailand, followed by tourists from Vietnam and Europe, especially France, England and Germany. The government is also planning to grant visa exemptions to some European countries.
By VIENTIANE TIMES