ASIA – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is taking steps to create the PATA Laos Chapter, the 42nd in the world, according to PATA CEO Martin Craigs who was speaking at PATA’s Reception and Networking Event in Vientiane, Laos on 21 January.
“Laos is a prime example of a quickly growing destination where the visitor economy needs to be nurtured. Political leaders such as Professor Dr Bosenghkham, the Lao PDR Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, understand the importance of tourism as a force for socio-economic good,” said Craigs.
“I am encouraged to see PATA Next Generation ideas being created by a new Chapter that understands the importance of travel industry links through PATA’s global chapter network,” he adds.
According to PATA statistics, the visitor economy in Laos is estimated to contribute 18.2 per cent to national GDP, 15.9 per cent to total employment and 9.8 per cent of all capital investments. Within Southeast Asia Laos is second only to Cambodia in terms of dependancy on travel and tourism.
According to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR, the country attracted 2.4m international visitor arrivals during the first nine months of 2012, a year-on-year increase of 12 per cent. PATA predicts that by the end of 2013 the number will rise to 3.5m.
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