The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has endorsed a planned strategy for the revival of the tourism industry, shared Mr. Savankhone Razmountry, Deputy Minister, MICT, at a news conference of the National Operation Centre for COVID-19 in Vientiane on 9 May. 

The plan identifies fund mobilization, tourism business development, and promotion of domestic travel once the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has been managed. The MICT also came up with a cooperation plan involving relevant international organizations, noted the MICT Deputy Minister.  

The planned proposal includes welcoming tourists from countries that have no COVID-19 outbreaks and boosting advertisements of tourism sites. 

The MICT also completed collecting data on the number of firms that have been affected by the pandemic. They gathered recommendations from businesses on improving the situation. The relevant authorities are considering these proposals, noted the news release. The government has extended aid to tourism businesses, such as reductions in water and electricity tariffs, and reduction and extension of loan repayments.