When it comes to attracting foreign tourists, the greener the supply chain, the better, say experts
SOMPORN THAPANACHAI
Promoting a green supply chain could help Laos attract more quality tourists, but the government needs to educate suppliers about the environment and the country's heritage, says a tourism expert.
Peter Semone, a specialist in tourism development, said the private sector had to understand the long-term benefits of offering green tourism so that local people could minimise their impact on the environment.
He argued that the Laotian government should identify ecotourism as a major economic product that would attract sustainable tourism products as well as promote the green supply chain.
The most famous landmark in Vientiane is That Luang (Royal Stupa), which was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat and restored in 1935.
"The more green we provide in the supply chain, the more tourists and quality you get," Mr Semone said at the recent Laos Ecotourism Forum held in Vientiane.
The Laotian government has prioritised ecotourism and issued its five-year national ecotourism strategy and action plan for 2005 to 2010.
Since tourism is concentrated in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, new products and attractions are being developed across the country to diversify.
Laos has two cultural world heritage sites endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), 15 national cultural and natural heritage sites and a network of 20 national protected areas. These natural sites would support Laos in establishing green tourism.
The country is positioning itself to be a land link and crossroads of commerce, economic co-operation and tourism in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
With its rich forests and natural beauty, Laos still needs to market itself to attract visitors. Mr Semone suggested the government apply different approaches and employ advanced information and communication technology in its marketing.
He said Laos should also diversify its tourism products to appeal to a wider market. They could be marketed under themes such as carbon-neutral holidays, Indochina: The Last Frontier, and "trip of a lifetime".
"It's a challenge for Laos to find the balance in managing tourists by taking into account environmental and cultural conservation, political interests and local people," he said. "Local people should be able to say 'no' in order to control the number of visitors to ensure sustainability."
Laos can also learn from other countries in the region that already offer ecotourism. Chananya Phataraprasit, director of Lisu Lodge in Chiang Mai, which offers tours into hilltribe areas, said success in operating an eco-tourism project depends on the commitment to preserve the cultural diversity of a site.
Lisu Lodge works with the Lisu village. It has grown slowly from a four-room lodge in 1993 to a small boutique hotel welcoming 7,000 overnight visitors plus 3,000 day visits last year.
Ms Chananya says that responsible tourism can turn into a successful business but there are a number of issues crucial to operating a business in remote areas as it could put pressure on natural resources and undermine local cultures with an influx of foreigners.
Ambassador Vang Rattanavong, vice-chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, said opening sensitive areas to international tourists would create cultural exchanges. The government, he added, has tried to create public awareness of cultural and environmental protection.
