Laos

A new regulation, the Decision on Tourism in Forest Areas, published by the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and supported by the World Bank will provide incentives for MSME private investment into national parks and protected areas for projects that generate employment, protect nature and create economic partnerships with communities. The project will give tourism companies advisory services on product development, training on nature based tourism and funding for small-scale public infrastructure, marketing and tourism development. It falls under the World Bank’s Lao Landscapes and Livelihoods project and MSMEs can apply for projects in the 5 national parks (Hin Nam No, Nam Et-Phou Louey, Nakai-Nam Theun, Phou Hin Poun, and Phou Khao Khouay) and three protected areas (Khoun Xe Nong Ma, Laving Lavern, and Yord Nam Mo-Phou Sam Soum). The World Bank estimates that nature based tourism could grow to provide 10% of GDP and 10% of jobs in Laos, whilst this project aims to create 75,000 jobs for women

The Director General of the Department of Forestry called on ASEAN members to invest more in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), noting that sustainable tourism is a way to balance revenue generation with biodiversity protection

The UN Assistant Sectetary-General noted that Laos is “on track” to graduate out from Least Developed Country status by 2026

Luang Prabang are operating its buses once more, with routes to Kuang Si waterfalls, the airport and the northern bus station

Lasting Laos is offering 5 grants to the private sector of $5,000-10,000 USD for MSMEs with sustainable, innovative and scalable solutions

The Laos PM has stated again that Laos intends to join BRICS, and that they are “studying this issue”

Laos, China and Thailand met to discuss the building of a new Vientiane-Nong Khai railway bridge, which will connect railways from both Thailand and Laos

The Lao government has allocated 500 hectares of land to the Korean company Oriental Pearl Company Limited to develop a $700 million USD tourism destination project in Phonhong District Vientiane province. It will see two phases: phase 1 from 2025-2035 will see core infrastructure and tourism facilities like golf courses, hotels and restaurants, developed. Phase 2 from 2036-2045 will see more public amenities and tourism zones. The company said that it will combine leisure with solar energy zones, wildlife infrastructure and forest restoration

The Lao President met with Chinese President during a 4-day visit to China, agreeing to designate 2026 the “Year of Laos-China Friendship” to mark the 65th anniversary of its diplomatic relations

A new boat service will run from the Golden Triangle SEZ to Guanlei, Yunnan province, once per week

Laos has announced its interest to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), after being granted dialogue partner status on 1 Sep 2025 in Tianjin, China

The Crocodile Information Centre in Savannakhet Province will open soon. It will provide conservation information and the opportunity to see juvenile crocodiles before being released back into the wild

Laos and Myanmar met in China, agreeing to further enhance tourism and trade, military cooperation and Laos’ support for Myanmar’s election

Laos has resolved to stabilise the economy in Sep, with work on exchange rates and maintaining foreign services, as well as lowering production costs for essential goods

Inflation has dropped to 5.0% in Aug 2025, from 5.3% in Jul 2025

Laos will launch a new Digital Arrival registration system from 1 Sep, which will need to be submitted by foreign travellers within 3 days of arrival and departure to Laos. It will be piloted at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane with Thailand’s Nong Khai province. Full implementation is planned for 2026

The Laos-China Railway cancelled all departures on 25 Aug due to Typhoon Kajiki

Laos has recognised the Phou Luang-Ho Chi Minh Trails on Lao territory as national heritage, with 18 sites highlighted as significant sites

The National University will launch a new curriculum on Sustainable Tourism & Services Management from Sep/Oct 2025. The curriculum will cover 10-30% theory and 70-90% practical uses

The Bank of Laos has lowered its interest rates by 0.5%, to 9.0%, to support the local economy

Phase 2 of the Lasting Laos program, which supports sustainable tourism and MSMEs across Laos, will launch. It will focus on providing more opportunities for MSMEs, stronger support for sustainable practices and updates on certification and community initiatives

From Jan-Jul 202, Luang Prabang received 2,155,994 visitors, +83.8% YoY, and generated 1,108 billion LAK ($52.76 million USD) in revenue, reaching 92.2% of its 2025 target

The committee from the Department of Tourism Business Management, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Vientiane Province is encouraging the implementation of Asean Green Hotel Standards in Vientiane Province ahead of the Asean Tourism Standard Aawrd in 2026

Mekong Cruises has reopened its Luang Prabang-Houay Xay cruise

Laos and the Philippines have agreed to continue to cooperate in numerous areas, including tourism during an event to mark the70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries