Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister, Ministry of Information, Culture and
Tourism in Lao PDR, describes preparations for the ASEAN Tourism Forum which
takes place 17-24 January 2013 and elaborates on how Laos' tourism can
capitalise on ASEAN integration
ATF 2013
1. What has been the biggest challenge preparing Vientiane for ATF 2013?
Because Vientiane is quite a
small city with a lot of tourism demand in January, the biggest challenge has
been arranging available hotel rooms for all ATF guests. And getting the
transport arrangements right.
2. What benefits do you think will come to Laos from ATF 2013?
More business and job creation
opportunities through an expanded visitor economy. Laos is still a developing
country. Our people need more opportunities. Tourism and support from ASEAN
visitors will help us. We are grateful for the opportunity to host ATF 2013.
3. What does Laos hope to achieve by the hosting of ATF 2013?
We hope to build awareness of our
eco products for adventurous tourists. But we also want to tell them that after
a day of elephant or boat riding they can relax in a beautiful boutique hotel
with friendly service, smiling faces all round -- and have a nice glass of wine
with a delicious meal. It's the perfect end to a perfect day in Laos.
ASEAN Tourism
4. As a host of ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting in 2013, what would be
your recommendations about promoting tourism in ASEAN countries?
We need to be aware of latest
trends. On the demand side that means maximising social and digital media
marketing and taking advantage of mobile device usage among a young and
increasingly affluent demographic in ASEAN countries who like to travel. On the
supply side, ASEAN needs to work hard to ensure ecological and cultural
sustainability. Otherwise, each destination will lose its unique appeal.
5. Should the message for ASEAN tourists be different for tourists outside
the region -- say in Japan, Middle East or Europe?
AEC has focused everyone's mind
on what ASEAN is, so there is increased understanding within ASEAN countries
about which countries are in the grouping and what their destination strengths
are and what their human resource strengths and weaknesses are. ASEAN is
becoming more like a united family grouping. However, because ASEAN is so
diverse we need to look at clever and exciting ways to promote niche activities
such as dining, community tourism, shopping, UNESCO heritage tours, honeymoons,
incentives and ecotourism.
6. The ten destinations of ASEAN are very diverse. To what extent is that
a help or a hindrance when promoting ASEAN as a destination?
Let a million flowers bloom.
Variety is good in tourism as in life. ASEAN benefits from its amazing
diversity, cultural heritage and warmth of its people.
7. Can ASEAN promote niche activities such as adventure, experiential,
business and long stay -- as well as mass tourism? How?
Yes, easily. One of the strengths
of diversity is that ASEAN has something for everyone. Whatever niche activity
you like, you can do it here. And if you want to be driven around in a group
tour bus from one main attraction to another you can do that too.
8. What needs to be done to make the ASEAN tourism region more
user-friendly for investors?
I think economic growth is pretty
much guaranteed. But that alone is not enough. Of course we need more
transparency and accountability if we are to deliver a return on investment for
investors. Singapore has set the best example within ASEAN.
9. In your view, what are the key sales and promotional points that ASEAN
should be promoting to tourists in ASEAN and beyond?
I would say exciting
multi-country trips. Our food. Our heritage sites. And great shopping bargains.
These are my favourite things.
AEC
10. What are the main challenges for the tourism sector in ASEAN ahead of
AEC 2015?
Human Resource Development
because tourism is growing so quickly. The challenge is producing enough
talented people to service the growth.
11. How does the tourism industry in Laos feel about the advent of AEC
2015?
We are in favour of it. If it is
good for ASEAN, it is good for Laos.
12. Where do the priorities for ASEAN tourism integration lie -- with the
private sector or government sector?
We have to walk hand in hand. To
maximise returns on investment, the public and private sectors have to be
working as one team.
Laos
13. Laos is big on ecotourism. Is ecotourism synonymous with budget travel?
Why?
No, you can have ecotourism at
any price point -- budget to luxury. The uniting feature is a love of Mother
Nature. And we have some beautiful National Protected Areas, waterfalls,
rivers, caves, mountains and wildlife in Laos. As an eco tourism destination,
Laos is hard to beat.
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