Expert calls for Thai-Laos tourism upgrades to attract big spenders

An industry expert is urging Thailand and Laos to collaborate in enhancing the quality of their attractions and services to boost mutual tourism, especially in light of the upcoming 75th anniversary of bilateral ties this year. 

Laos, a neighbouring country with high tourism potential, welcomed 4.2 million foreign tourists last year, about a million more than the 3.4 million arrivals in 2023. Thanate Vorasaran, chair of a Thai Chamber of Commerce board on high-quality tourism, said on Wednesday that this surge can be attributed to the “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign. 

Meanwhile, some 1.2 million Thais visited the neighbouring country last year, down slightly from the 1.3 million…