BEIJING – Trip.com chief executive Jane Sun has met with Lao Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune to discuss cooperating across a range of tourism-related projects.
Topics under discussion include the streamlining of visa applications as well as various cultural exchange projects.
Tourist arrivals from China to Laos increased by 26% to 800,000 in 2018, ranking China third among inbound tourists source markets.
In the other direction, there is little tourist traffic due to Lao’s smaller population and the relative unaffordability of travel.
Ms Sun said she anticipated an enhanced exchange of resources and information between Laos and China, with an emphasis on biological protection and sustainable tourism.
"We hope to strengthen cooperation with Laos, both in the development of new products and promotion of bilateral tourism on our platforms, helping the local industry to thrive," she added.
Recently, Trip.com group’s global visa service centre forged an exclusive strategic co-operation with Laos. Following the opening of a visa 'green channel', Chinese tourists will enjoy the benefits of a streamlined visa application process.
Additionally, joint infrastructure efforts like the China-Laos railway have helped to promote inter-connectivity in the region.
Trip.com Group is a one-stop travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar.