BANGKOK — Laos has announced plans to partially re-open to foreign travellers in the new year, throwing a lifeline to the tourism industry after borders were sealed for more than 18 months to keep out Covid, AFP reported.
Fully vaccinated visitors on pre-booked tours will be able to enter from January 1 and visit the capital Vientiane, eco-tourism hotspot Vang Vieng and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang, state media reported yesterday.
Further destinations will be opened up in April and July as vaccination rates in Laos increase.
But entry will only be available to tourists from 17 nations, mostly Southeast Asian and European countries as well as China, the United States, Australia and Canada.
All visitors will also need to test negative for Covid before arriving.
The reclusive communist nation this month opened a US$6 billion (RM25.3 billion) Beijing-built railway that connects its capital to the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming.
Health authorities are now rushing to deliver Covid booster shots to people living in tourist spots along the train line in anticipation of an influx of travellers.
But these days the small business is lucky to receive a single booking even at the weekend, manager La Noy told AFP.
Alex Tran, owner of the Camellia Hotel in Vang Vieng, said revenue was down 95 percent because of the border closures.
“Many hotels in Vang Vieng are empty and have closed temporarily for around two years because there are no tourists,” he told AFP.
There were not enough domestic travellers to sustain the sector, he added.
“After New Year, things are hoped to be better,” Tran said.
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