The Lao PDR?s fledgling tourism industry is expanding rapidly. Statistics compiled by the National Tourism Authority (NTA) indicate that the number of international arrivals in the year 2000 was 737,208, increasing from 37,613 just 9 years prior. This impressive increase in the number of international arrivals can be attributed to current government policy actively encouraging tourism, coupled with the relative ease of obtaining a tourist visa since 1996.
Primary tourist attractions for international visitors are the nation?s rich natural and cultural heritage. Nearly half of the country remains forested with over 12% its landmass under special protected area status known as National Protected Areas (NPA's). In addition to retaining one of the highest country forest covers in South East Asia, the Lao PDR is also home to 47 distinct ethnic groups, speaking over 230 different languages. The vibrant traditional culture of these ethnic groups remains largely intact, and complements the country's natural beauty. Together, they represent two tremendous resources for the development of sustainable community-based ecotourism.
The Lao authorities recognize the importance of these natural and cultural assets, and actively promote them in an effort to draw international visitors. However, the present lack of national capacity to plan, implement and sustainably manage cultural and nature tourism activities both inside and around NPA's places the precious natural and cultural heritage so vital to sustaining the industry at risk of being degraded. The tourism industry provides Lao PDR with one of the few opportunities to earn significant foreign exchange and so any threats to the cultural and natural resources that support tourism are of particular concern. In addition, social and environmental problems sure to arise from inadequate management of the tourism industry - especially nature and cultural tourism - will place an increasing burden on already strained government services and infrastructure.
