Govt issues invitations to 450th anniversary celebrations

Govt issues invitations to 450th anniversary celebrations

Around 1,000 official guests from Laos and throughout the world have been invited attend next month's celebrations of the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the Lao capital.

Deputy Head of the Protocol and Tourism Promotion Sub-Committee, Mr Soukaseum Bodhisane, said his staff had sent invitations to guests in all Lao provinces and delegations from over 30 nations.

Mr Soukaseum, who is also Deputy Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, spoke with Vientiane Times after a meeting in the capital on Friday to review the progress of the sub-committee's preparations for the 450th anniversary.

He said the invitations could be categorised in three ways. Some invitations have been sent to Lao people living overseas, of whom about 180 people from nine countries had been invited.

Also invited are delegations from Asean member countries, Asean dialogue partners and other friendly nations, while the third group comprises Lao provincial officials, retired officials and other honoured guests from around the country.

The 450th anniversary is not only being hosted by the Vientiane authorities but all the people of Laos, Mr Soukaseum said.

To commemorate the historic event the government has allocated more than 33.4 billion kip for celebratory activities. This is in addition to financing 21 priority projects in the run-up to the occasion, including building new roads in the capital, landscaping new parks and renovating old buildings.

The capital is set to greet visitors coming here on organised tours or travelling individually. As yet Mr Soukaseum said the department was unable to evaluate the number of foreign visitors who will attend the event.

He urged all Lao people to exhibit hospitality and offer a sincere and friendly welcome to all guests, as was the case during previous international events such as the 10th Asean Summit in 2004 and last year's SEA Games.

“I think the special Lao culture and hospitality of the Lao people are selling points that will attract more foreign visitors to Laos,” said Mr Soukaseum, adding that Laos has a wonderful choice of natural, historical and cultural attractions that gives tourists a range of options for holiday destinations and helps them to learn more about the country.

Laos remains relatively unexplored by international tourism despite its cultural and natural wealth, and the 450th anniversary is a great opportunity to promote the country to the rest of the world. Last year's monthly tourist arrivals to Laos stood at 190,000 people in November and 250,000 people in December, but this year Mr Soukaseum estimates figures may increase to 250,000 and 300,000 people for November and December respectively.
The 450th anniversary celebrations will take place from November 15-21, at the same time as the That Luang festival, when many families make the journey to Vientiane to be reunited with their relatives.



By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 18 , 2010)
http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/Free_Govt.htm