VIENTIANE, Oct 20 (NNN-KPL) – People and authorities in Laos are preparing activities for the end of Buddhist Lent and the boat racing festival, which will be held at the end of this month.
“This year, we hope to welcome more domestic and international tourists, to experience Lao cultural events and a festive atmosphere throughout the town. In addition, I hope this festival will help promote consumption across the country,” Chanthlah Sounvilay, a restaurant owner in the Lao capital, Vientiane, said.
Governor of Chanthaboury District of Vientiane Douangta Soulivong, told media that, the celebration of the end of Buddhist Lent and boat racing festival will take place from Oct 28 to 30.
Chansamone, a food vendor at a night market in Vientiane, said that, he believed the event would attract more visitors, both domestic and abroad.
“As a businessman, I pin high hopes on this upcoming event. I hope this festival could help boost the country’s tourism and economic recovery.”
To guarantee safe and smooth transport during the upcoming travel rush for the festival, authorities in Vientiane also allocated specific routes for traffic and parking during the event.
Meanwhile, Champasak provincial authorities are preparing activities for the festival, which will take place from Oct 29 to 30, in Pakse, aiming to stage a grander event than in previous years.
“Provincial authorities have arranged for at least 300 stalls to sell agricultural produce, manufactured goods, ‘One District, One Product’ and other goods produced in Champasak province, to generate more revenues for local residents,” Pakse city governor, Bualee Phetsongkham told a press conference.
These stalls are open from Oct 10 to 30, and will add colour to the streets of Pakse, as well as, provide shoppers with plenty of bargains, he added.
On Oct 29, a morning almsgiving ceremony will take place at Luang Pakse temple, in Pakse city, followed by a candlelight procession in the evening.
This year’s boat racing festival particularly targets tourists, which the province hopes to attract in large numbers.
In the run-up to Visit Laos Year 2024, provincial officials have improved visitor facilities and the standard of services at places of accommodation and restaurants.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, at least 700,000 people visited Champasak province each year. But in 2022, the figure dwindled to just over 191,000 visitors due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Lao government considers tourism as its top priority in revitalising the economy.
The Visit Laos Year 2024 tourism promotion campaign, will be officially launched on Nov 23, aimed at attracting at least 4.6 million tourists in 2024.– NNN-KPL
