Laos

The latest data from the US Department of Homeland Security shows that Laos has one of the highest rates of overstay on tourist and business visas, but one the lowest overstays for student visas

Assembly Member Keorattana Silavong called for the Tourism Ministry to improve tourist number tracking systems at land, water and air entry points, as well as upgrade tour buses, and consistently promote Laos domestically and internationally

More businesses in Luang Prabang set up activities and products to educate tourists on interacting respectfully with monks

The National Assembly will implement further measures to support the economy, including a commitment to reducing inflation to single digits, stabilising the kip through stronger currency controls and increasing domestic production

The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) of Laos shared that the country’s tourism priorities include sustainable tourism, community development and regional cooperation. She noted that 60% of tourism businesses in Laos were outside major cities, and 55% of the tourism workforce in Laos were women. She also reported that Laos is actively supporting the ASEAN Ecotourism Corridor initiative and was the lead country coordinator for the development of the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard

In Q1 2025, Laos received 1,260,035 international visitors, up from 2024’s 1,131,902, and 2019’s 1,062,377. Its neighbouring countries accounted for 79% of total arrivals, with Thailand seeing 364,474 visitors (+5% YoY), China 330,531 (+36% YoY) and Vietnam 281,911 (+7% YoY). South Korea saw a -29% YoY drop, whilst Australia was +19% YoY. European travellers increased by +20% YoY, and the US 14% YoY

The fifth Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge will open by Oct-Nov 2025, with the Thai Deputy PM and the Lao Deputy PM attended a concrete pouring ceremony or the bridge connecting Bolikhamxai in Laos and Bueng Kan in Thailand

Four new H World hotels will open in Laos, with 3 of its flagship brands: Intercity Hotel Vientiane (to open in 2026), Intercity Hotel Luang Prabang (to open in 2027), JI Hotel Vientiane Mekong Riverside (to open in 2026) and Orange Hotel Vientiane International Airport (to open in 2026)

Laos is targeting achieving an average economic growth rate of at least 5% from 2026-2030, with priorities that including strengthening energy, developing tourism, human capital development and boosting the digital economy

A Laos-Korea Agro Fair will be held from 6-7 Jun in Vientiane, including dance shows, product showcases and performances

Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism held a signing ceremony for the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Lao Tourism Representative in China, with an official appointment letter given to the Lao Tourism Promotion Centre in China

From 1 Jun, Japanese travellers to Laos will be able to visit the country for up to 30 days visa free, up from 15 days

Ride hailing app InDrive was suddenly made inaccessible on 28 May in Laos, triggering rumours that the company is struggling with regulatory challenges. On 28 May, the National Internet Regulatory Commission ordered all telecommunications providers to block and disable access to the website and domain

Laos’ inflation in May 2025 was recorded at 8.3%, a drop from Apr’s 11.1%. Those that still saw significant increases included housing, water, electricity and fuel, as well as restaurant and hotels

The World Bank has noted that Laos’ economy is seeing recovery signs, but inflation and structural challenges remain. Its Lao Economic Monitor reported that SMEs are still struggling to access credit

: Khammuan Province is focusing on agriculture and forestry, tourism, and energy and mining in its current 5-year socio-economic plan. A new attraction, Khun Phong Lang Lake, is set to open in Jun

The Laos Festival was held in Tokyo from 24-25 May, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Laos-Japan relations. It was designed as a “visitor-participation Laos festival”. It included cultural displays, food and entertainment

The Lao National Circus will have shows on 30-31 May in honour of Children’s Day

Princess Aiko of Japan is set to visit Laos in Nov on her first official overseas engagement to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos

The Rocket Festival, Boun Bang Fai, will take place in Meuang Feuang on 28-29 June

A trade and tourism promotion fair was held in Sekong province on 21 May, promoting products from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. It included activities like seminars on trade and tourism, as well as cultural exchanges from ethnic groups in southern Laos

Luang Prabang provincial authorities held a consultation meeting with the industry in order to finalise documents to ensure that the criteria for the Green Destinations Organisation Tourism Destination award is met. Authorities are asking different sectors to provide ideas and data to support their application

Riyaz International signed a joint venture with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to establish RJJ Hotels. The agreement was signed on 3 May to grant RJJ Hotels licensing rights to operate and grow 5 Jin Jiang brands in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. The agreement targets 181 hotel management agreements and aims to have 108 hotels operational within 5 years. The first hotel will be developed by Sanher Investment & Development in Luang Prabang, Laos. RJJ Hotels will be headquartered in Malaysia. RJJ Hotels manages 5 brands under the Jin Jiang portfolio: Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Ginco Hotel, Renjoy Hotel, Lavande, and Jinjiang Inn. The company is in talks with property owners in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, HCMC, Halong Bay, Hanoi, and Manila. There will be an investor conference on 27 Aug at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, with over 400 Chinese and regional investors expected to attend

Exo Travel GM has said that since they started to promote the Laos-China Railway, the number of nights in Laos has increased by 45%, noting that it has transformed the way that clients can travel in Laos – but the fact that tickets are only available for booking 3 days prior to the travel date is inconvenient