VIENTIANE, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Lao local tourism-related businesses should make adjustments for more Chinese tourists that Lao government expects to visit this year, local daily Vientiane Times on Monday, quoting Lao Vice President of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Daovone Phachanthavong as saying.
Daovone said hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and travel agents should try to deliver services at prices that will meet with the expectations of Chinese visitors.
"Chinese people like to shop in Laos but local businesses struggle to provide food and goods that are to their liking," he said, adding that there is definitely room for improvement in terms of customer service.
Laos and China officially launched Visit Laos-China Year 2019 in Lao capital Vientiane last Friday, hoping two countries will become more enticing holiday destinations as a result of the campaign.
Lao authorities expect 1 million Chinese tourists out of an overall total of 5 million to visit Laos this year, said the report.
According to Daovone, service providers who know some Chinese language will improve service and having a better understanding of Chinese food and fashion preferences will also be helpful. If good service is provided, Chinese visitors will be more likely to return in the future.
Daovone said incentives should be offered. "Some neighboring countries already offer visa or visa fee exemptions to Chinese nationals," he said.
Daovone said he hoped officials from both countries will have in-depth discussions to maximize the benefits which might come from Visit Laos-China Year 2019.
Lao President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Oudet Souvannavong said Lao government and business operators should coordinate in such things as putting up Chinese-language signs at tourist sites and information brochures written in Chinese should also be provided.
During Visit Laos Year 2018, more than 800,000 Chinese nationals visited Laos, an increase of 26 percent over the previous year.
