The SUSTOUR Project, funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Plan International Laos together with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the LuangPrabang Chamber of Commerce and Industry held the grand opening of Sabaidee Luang Prabang Festival from on Oct 7.
The festival aims to promote sustainable consumption and production practices throughout the Lao tourism supply chain, stimulate sustainable tourism, and support local businesses and entrepreneurs following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sabaidee Luang Prabang Festival was officially launched at Heuan Chan Heritage House, Luang Prabang Province in the presence of Luang Prabang Governor Siliphone Souphanthong, Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce Manothong Vongxay.
Representatives from Tourism Management Department, Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism, Department of Trade Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, President of LNCCI Oudeth Souvannavong, and other board members of LNCCI and Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, EU Delegation to the Lao PDR First Counsellor(Political) Niall LEONARD, Country Director of Plan International Laos Carol Anne Mortensen also joined the event.
Sabaidee Luang Prabang Fest is one of the significant activities aligned under the Lao Thiao Lao Campaign, also funded by the European Union and implemented by Plan International Laos, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Scheduled for Oct 6-12, the festival will take place during the week of celebration for the end of the Buddhist Lent.
At the festival, many activities will highlight local sights, traditional music and handicrafts, traditional Lao costume competitions, lantern competitions, local cuisine, a candle parade, trekking, cycling, and a mini-run for children.
Moreover, the festival will provide a meaningful space for local entrepreneurs and businesses to showcase their products and promote sustainability during the exhibition at Heuan Chan Heritage House.
“Sabaidee Luang Prabang Festival is organized to encourage and support the MSMEs in Laos to become more sustainable and to boost the domestic tourism and promote the made in Laos sustainable product,” says Vice President of LNCCI Chanthachone Vongsay.
“We have seen that tourism business and the communities that rely on tourism revenue have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This festival is an important contribution from the project that supports the Lao tourism sector to build better and stronger,” says Country Director of Plan International Laos Carol Anne Mortensen.
“The European Union is proud to be part of the Sabaidee LuangPrabang Festival. Our support contributes to the Lao Thiao Lao campaign to revive tourism, promote and preserve the culture and heritage of the country and foster sustainable consumption and production practices in the tourism industry,” says First Counsellor (Political), EU Delegation to the Lao PDR Niall LEONARD.
“We hope that this festival would be an initial step to boost the tourism promotion of Luang Prabang and the Lao PDR and be recognized by international visitors and encourage them to visit this place which is rich in world heritage, culture, nature, food, and local products, “says Mr. Dala Indavong, Deputy Director General of Department of Trade Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Source: Lao News Agency