This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 7/15/2019

 

Overview

 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) USD BN

8.3

9.4

11.2

11.7

12.6

15.9

17

Percentage of GDP - Travel & Tourism Total Contribution to GDP

14.63%

15.08%

14.22%

14.12%

14%

14%

13.7%

The tourism industry in Laos is developing rapidly, with several five star resorts open or expected to open in the coming years.  The tourism industry experienced an unexpected drop in 2017 but is gradually recovering in 2018 and seeing more arrivals of international tourists and non-ASEAN tourists, who typically spend relatively greater amounts of money, according to the World Bank.  However, although the travel and tourism sector saw significant growth in 2015 and 2016, tourism’s relative share of GDP substantially fluctuated in recent years at 13.7 percent at the end of 2017. The major tourist destination is the world heritage site and ancient capital of Luang Prabang, but other areas such as Champasak Province and Vang Vieng are also attracting more visitors, especially Chinese and Korean tourists.  The 2021 opening of the China-Laos Railway is expected to dramatically increase the number of tourist arrivals from China.  

Web Resources


 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.