THE POLITICS OF TOURISM IN LAO PDR: DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGING SOCIETY

Abstract

This research looks at the growth and development tourism in the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Lao PDR. It has emerged from the ashes of imperialism, war and communism, and is now an award winning destination for travel and tourism. This is a case study of Laos and data is collected both by interviews and secondary written sources. Laos is among the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, and tourism is a major drift for development and poverty alleviation. It occupies many people, and brings in foreign currency. The studies show that Laos do have great potential for further development of sustainable tourism. Several areas have great potential, and will be important for tourism in the future. However, inefficient governance and poor connectivity together with increased competition can cause Laos concerns. Several eco-tourism sites face challenges of damage and pollution, either by tourists or local business establishment. The award winning projects and activities travelers can join, are great tools for development, however, they remain off limits to most visitors, as it caters to the high end market. Most activities are in certain regions, and most activities outside the NPA are more or less the same as mass tourism sites, so it is hard to suggest that Laos represent something new within tourism, as many suggests.