The Lao PDR is proud to be one of the CLMW and ASEAN Member States notable for its political stability as well as increasing level of Socio-economic development. The Lao PDR possesses a variety of national, cultural and historical tourism sites. The tourism sector of Laos has made strides that are reflected in the statistics, the country received more than 4.6 millions international arrivals in 2016, a 13% increase when compared to the year 2015. Tourism sites have been classified into three categories such as national, historical and cultured tourism. For instance historical sites include UNESCO world heritage sites including Luang Prabang, officially listed in 1995, and Vat Phou Champassak. The Plans of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province in expected to be designated the third world heritage in Laos. Meanwhile, natural wonder Khonphapheng Waterfall in Champassak is the largest waterfall in South East Asia. Laos is increasingly considered a hub for tourism sites and Laos has declared the year 2018 as the Lao Tourism Year. Laos and India are wishing to launch direct flights as part of initiatives to boost cultural exchanges and bilateral trade including tourist flow between the two countries in near future.

-H.E. Mr. Southam Sakonhninhom, Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic to India