To build international visitor confidence in the destination, Laos has implemented LaoSafe, a nationwide initiative designed to create a world-class health and hygiene system within the tourism and hospitality industry.
This initiative by Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and approved by the Ministry of Health, comprises sector-specific standards developed for accommodation, F&B, tour guides, and drivers, to raise the benchmark of hygiene provision throughout the country.
LaoSafe is already in place in popular locations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage city Luang Prabang, and is gradually being rolled out to other destinations across the country.
To date, LaoSafe has certified over 50 restaurants, 60 hotels, 500 tour guides, 180 drivers, and two airlines.
Darany Phommavongsa, director general, tourism management department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, said: “The LaoSafe certification programme has used the time of Laos’ closure to prepare for an influx of tourists post-Covid. Now that the country is open again, the tourism industry is more prepared than ever to welcome travellers.”
The LaoSafe programme is supported by the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), which is co-financed by the governments of the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
