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Monday, 29 December 2025

Laos Leads the Way as ASEAN Accelerates Ecotourism Development

Vientiane hosts a regional push for responsible travel

Lao PDR is stepping firmly into a leadership role in shaping the future of ecotourism across Southeast Asia, hosting a key regional training programme in Vientiane to strengthen the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard. Held from 20 to 22 November, the initiative brought together 25 tourism professionals from across the region, reinforcing shared commitments to sustainability, quality, and responsible tourism development.

The programme forms part of ASEAN’s long-term vision to position the region as a global leader in high-quality and responsible tourism by 2045, with Laos playing a central coordinating role in translating policy into practical action on the ground.

Strengthening the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard

Participants in the Vientiane training completed an online introductory module before taking part in a field-based assessment designed to sharpen evaluation skills. The sessions focused on reviewing and reinforcing assessment procedures under the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard, ensuring consistency and credibility across member states.

Practical exercises included onsite evaluations, document inspections, and scoring methods covering tourism activities, services, and facilities. This hands-on approach ensures that assessors are equipped to apply the Standard effectively, maintaining its integrity while supporting destinations in meeting clear and measurable sustainability benchmarks.

Regional collaboration at the core

As the lead country coordinator, Lao PDR has worked closely with the Asia Ecotourism Network, supported academically and financially by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and the ASEAN Tourism Fund. This collaborative framework reflects ASEAN’s shared priorities of inclusiveness, environmental stewardship, and long-term destination resilience.

The initiative also highlights the importance of human capital development, ensuring that tourism professionals across the region share a common understanding of best practice in ecotourism assessment and management.

A strategic driver for sustainable tourism

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Darany
Phommavongsa. PHOTO: VIENTIANE TIMES

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Darany Phommavongsa, described the programme as timely as ASEAN prepares to implement the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan for 2026 to 2030. The plan envisions ASEAN emerging as a global benchmark for quality and responsible tourism by 2045.

She emphasised that the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard extends well beyond niche tourism. Instead, it serves as a strategic driver for sustainable tourism development, strengthening destination management, supporting community livelihoods, and building resilience in the face of climate-related and emerging challenges. She also noted the critical role of ASEAN Master Assessors in safeguarding the credibility of the certification system.

Tourism momentum in Laos

Laos’ leadership comes at a time of strong tourism growth. According to the Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, more than 3.3 million international visitors travelled to Laos in the first nine months of this year, representing a 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This surge underscores growing international interest in Laos’ natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and community-based experiences, aligning closely with the principles embedded in the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard.

Positioning ASEAN for a sustainable future

By hosting and leading this regional initiative, Lao PDR is reinforcing its commitment to high-quality, sustainable tourism while contributing to ASEAN’s broader transformation. The strengthened Ecotourism Standard provides a practical pathway for destinations across the region to balance growth with conservation, community benefit, and long-term resilience.

For travellers, the outcome is clear. A stronger regional framework means more authentic, responsible, and meaningful experiences across Southeast Asia, guided by shared values and measurable standards.

Web contacts:
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR – https://www.tourismlaos.org
ASEAN Tourism – https://aseantourism.travel/
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office – https://mekongtourism.org/

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