VIENTIANE: Laos is accelerating efforts to strengthen its tourism accounting and statistics system as international visitor arrivals continue to increase steadily in 2026.
The country recorded about 1.31 million foreign visitors in the first quarter of this year, compared to more than 1.26 million during the same period in 2025, reflecting continued growth in the tourism sector.
To support the industry’s expansion, officials and tourism authorities from across Laos gathered in Khammuan province from May 19 to 21 for the National Tourism Accounts Seminar. The meeting focused on developing a tourism accounting framework based on international standards set by UN Tourism.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Darany Phommavongsa, said tourism remains one of Laos’ key economic sectors and plays an increasingly important role in the country’s socio-economic development.
Laos welcomed more than 4.5 million foreign tourists in 2025, surpassing the government’s target by five per cent, while positive growth has continued into this year.
Darany said the introduction of a national tourism accounts system would help authorities better measure tourism’s actual economic contribution across sectors such as transportation, trade, accommodation, food services and employment.
She added that the system would provide accurate statistical data for both public and private sectors, helping improve policy planning, investment decisions and tourism management. The initiative is also expected to modernise tourism statistics through digital integration with Asean and international partners.
During the seminar, participants reviewed Laos’ tourism accounting framework and exchanged experiences with countries already implementing tourism account systems. Field visits and data collection exercises were also carried out at key locations in Khammuan province, including the Friendship Bridge international border checkpoint and major tourist attractions.
Darany urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the seminar in support of the Asean Tourism Strategy 2026-2030 and Laos’ national socio-economic development plan.
“Clear statistical data is the compass that guides sustainable development,” she said.
