Luang Prabang province used to be a key destination for international tourists before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sabaidee Luang Prabang Festival to generate 2 bn kip, thousands of visitors expected 

The Sabaidee Luang Prabang Festival to be held next month is expected to generate a turnover of two billion kip and draw thousands of visitors after the easing of Covid-19-related restrictions.
The festival will be held in Luang Prabang province during October 6-12, and it is expected to generate considerable sales of a wide range of products.
The Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), Mrs Chanthachone Vongsay, said at a recent news conference that this will be the first such festival to be held in the province.
The event will be held on the sidelines of the End of Buddhist Lent, marking the observance of numerous religious activities in a big way after three years of restrictions because of the Covid-19 crisis.
“This event is the first ever festival that is expected to attract domestic and foreign tourists after Laos was hit by the Covid-19 outbreak in 2019. A wide range of goods made in the province will be on display and sale alongside the religious activities,” she said.
The products, especially the “One District One Product” or ODOP items, will be displayed at several places arranged by the authorities of Luang Prabang city. Visitors can shop for locally made products such as handicraft items and souvenirs.
Mrs Chanthachone urged domestic and foreign travellers to spend a couple of days to enjoy the unique festival at the UNESCO world heritage site.
The festival is aimed at promoting economic recovery following the Covid-19 crisis, and sustainable consumption and production practices throughout the Lao tourism supply chain. It is also meant to stimulate sustainable tourism and support local businesses and entrepreneurs hit by the pandemic.
Several international organisations, government partners and the private sector have joined hands to assist tourism-related businesses and to promote sustainable tourism, Lao traditions and culture.
The festival is being organised by the Sustour Project, which is funded by the European Union, and is being implemented in partnership with Plan International Laos, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, LNCCI, the Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Luang Prabang Association of Travel Agents and Hotels and Restaurants.
The organising committee is confident that all stakeholders in tourism supply chains, especially hotels, restaurants and tourist spots, are ready to roll out the welcome mat for visitors.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 28, 2022)