ID :
183067
Thu, 05/19/2011 - 07:47
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/183067
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New Zealand supports tourism for sustainable economic development in Laos
VIENTIANE.MAY.(KPL) - The Government of New Zealand has provided US$ 3.3 million for the Community Based Tourism for sustainable Economic Development Programme in Lao PDR.
The launching ceremony for the Community Based Tourism for sustainable Economic Development Programme was held in Vientiane on 17 May.
The Progamme will be implemented in four target provinces of Xiengkhouang, Khammpouane, Luang Namtha, and Borikhamsay, said Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay.
The programme will be implemented till 2013, results as one of the outcomes of the strengthening cooperation between New Zealand and Laos. Mr. Somphong added that the success of the first ever ecotourism project in Lao PDR, Nam Ha Ecotourism Project in Luang Namtha (the first phase from 1999-2002 and the second phase from 2005-2008) becomes a model for ecotourism development in Laos especially in the area of community based tourism.
The lessons has learnt from the project are applied now in the implementation of pro-poor tourism development initiatives throughout the country. The successful project was recognised internationally and received several international awards.
He has stated that the second project entitled “Fighting Poverty at the Plain of Jars” also brings very positive impact to local communities and represents a good example on how tourism can contribute to poverty reduction.
The tourism is mainly visiting Laos because of the country’s rich cultural and natural resources. Its unique “Ecotourism Product” has helped Lao PDR to become one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in the region.
This is because of the pristine and unspoiled nature, environment and the way of life of local people. Therefore, the Lao government places ecotourism high on its development agenda, and through the Lao National tourism Administration, is working hard to establish a sustainable ecotourism industry that can help to attract tourists and therefore alleviate poverty and protect the natural and cultural resources that make Laos such a special place.
Because of the above supportive policies, Lao tourism has seen impressive growth. From 1991 through 2010 arrivals grew at an average annual rate of 26%. In 1991 there were less than 40,000 arrivals. This number grew to over 700,000 in 2000 and reached over 1 million in 2005 for the first time, and last year, 2010, the number of tourist arrivals recorded 2.5 million generating over US$ 381 million in foreign exchange, which increased about 25% over 2009.
The community based tourism for sustainable economic development programme supported by the Government of New Zealand is indeed in line with the policy of the Lao government mentioned above.
Apart from the development for the new community based tourism products in four provinces which are increasingly attractive for tourists, it will also create opportunities for local communities to participate in economic activities and get benefits from tourism.
The launching ceremony for the Community Based Tourism for sustainable Economic Development Programme was held in Vientiane on 17 May.
The Progamme will be implemented in four target provinces of Xiengkhouang, Khammpouane, Luang Namtha, and Borikhamsay, said Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay.
The programme will be implemented till 2013, results as one of the outcomes of the strengthening cooperation between New Zealand and Laos. Mr. Somphong added that the success of the first ever ecotourism project in Lao PDR, Nam Ha Ecotourism Project in Luang Namtha (the first phase from 1999-2002 and the second phase from 2005-2008) becomes a model for ecotourism development in Laos especially in the area of community based tourism.
The lessons has learnt from the project are applied now in the implementation of pro-poor tourism development initiatives throughout the country. The successful project was recognised internationally and received several international awards.
He has stated that the second project entitled “Fighting Poverty at the Plain of Jars” also brings very positive impact to local communities and represents a good example on how tourism can contribute to poverty reduction.
The tourism is mainly visiting Laos because of the country’s rich cultural and natural resources. Its unique “Ecotourism Product” has helped Lao PDR to become one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in the region.
This is because of the pristine and unspoiled nature, environment and the way of life of local people. Therefore, the Lao government places ecotourism high on its development agenda, and through the Lao National tourism Administration, is working hard to establish a sustainable ecotourism industry that can help to attract tourists and therefore alleviate poverty and protect the natural and cultural resources that make Laos such a special place.
Because of the above supportive policies, Lao tourism has seen impressive growth. From 1991 through 2010 arrivals grew at an average annual rate of 26%. In 1991 there were less than 40,000 arrivals. This number grew to over 700,000 in 2000 and reached over 1 million in 2005 for the first time, and last year, 2010, the number of tourist arrivals recorded 2.5 million generating over US$ 381 million in foreign exchange, which increased about 25% over 2009.
The community based tourism for sustainable economic development programme supported by the Government of New Zealand is indeed in line with the policy of the Lao government mentioned above.
Apart from the development for the new community based tourism products in four provinces which are increasingly attractive for tourists, it will also create opportunities for local communities to participate in economic activities and get benefits from tourism.
