The number of local and overseas tourist arrivals to Luang Prabang Province is estimated to increase by 16 percent per year.
“The increases in tourist arrivals has led to the development of basic infrastructure for tourism and accommodation in Luang Prabang Province to provide better facilities to tourists,” Head of Provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Division Mr. Soulithip Norkhounphoun explained recently. He added that the number of hotels had grown because the province had improved its infrastructure attracting additional investors each year, as well as reforming its marketing to promote tourism through online channels.
The tourism services also created more jobs for local people producing handicrafts and engaged in food processing. It has also spurred growth in the number of people raising animals and organic produce.
The per capita income of residents living in Luang Prabang has increased to an average of 12 million kip improving the living conditions of people in Luang Prabang municipality.
In addition, both domestic and international business operations have also got benefits from the increase in tourist arrivals.
Moreover, overseas and local investors are very keen to build and invest in hotels, guesthouses, resorts and restaurants.
Luang Prabang’s tourism officials believe that the World Heritage town will attract around 600,000 international tourists by year’s end.
The destination recorded 500,000 foreign visits last year. It expects to receive 700,000 international visitors by 2018.
According to provincial officials, Luang Prabang currently has 76 hotels and resorts with 1,914 rooms and 372 guesthouses with 2,628 rooms.
