The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) has endorsed plans for the revival of the tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the second wave of Coronavirus infections, according to a senior ministry official.
“In relation to the future recovery, we have adopted some direction and plans, which will be presented to the authorities, as well as a cooperation plan with relevant international organisations,” the MICT Deputy Minister, Mr Savankhone Razmountry, told a news conference at the National Operation Centre for Covid-19 in Vientiane on May 9.
The strategy includes mobilisation of funds, a tourism business development plan, and a plan to promote the domestic travel industry with multiple approaches after the Covid-19 outbreak is brought under control, he said.
Mr Savankhone said that once the outbreak is over, the ministry will propose that the government should allow Lao tourism firms to welcome tourists from other countries that have no Covid-19 outbreaks and also increase efforts to advertise Lao tourist sites.
According to him, the tourism industry has been suffering a lot due to the pandemic, and since the outbreak, the ministry has tried its best and introduced relief measures to help tourism businesses and workers.
Recently, the tourism ministry completed collecting data on the number of firms that have been impacted by the outbreak and recommendations from businesses to improve the situation.
The ministry, alongside the relevant authorities, is considering these proposals and the package to help the affected businesses, he said.
So far, tourism businesses have benefited from approved government aid, including reduction of the water and electricity tariffs and reduction and extension of loan repayments, he added.
Mr Savankhone said since the second outbreak of infections, the MICT has been actively participating in the government’s mission to end the health crisis. Through the application of its communication channels both in the traditional and new media and community loudspeakers, Lao people have received the government’s communications in a timely manner.
The Lao media cover news and events that may affect the livelihood of the people, the government’s response, and the aid which the international community and friendly nations offered to Laos during the outbreak. With the active participation of the Lao media, the local and international audiences have received accurate and timely information.
Besides supplying information to the public, the ministry has urged people to consume and share information through social media mindfully. The ministry also monitored the flow of fake news and addressed the problem.
