VIENTIANE, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Luang Prabang province in northern Laos is intensifying efforts to boost its tourism sector by enhancing professional skills and advancing sustainable development.

This photo taken on October 12, 2024 shows passengers carrying their luggage at the railway station in Laos' Luang Prabang province. (File photo: AFP)

Provincial authorities convened from Wednesday to Thursday for a speaking training program aimed at enhancing the skills of tourism sector officials.

Speaking at the event, Director of Luang Prabang provincial Culture and Tourism Department Soudaphone Khomthavong emphasized that developing human resources is a central strategy for achieving the province's vision of becoming a quality, modern, and sustainable tourism destination by 2029.

She noted that, because tourism is an intangible service, strong communication, public speaking, and presentation skills are essential for conveying information clearly and building trust with both entrepreneurs and visitors.

Additionally, Luang Prabang city, capital of Luang Prabang province, is seeking to join the Creative Cities Network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, positioning the World Heritage town as a regional hub for culture, creativity, and sustainable tourism.

A high-level consultation held earlier in February focused on developing a strategy that links heritage preservation with the growth of the creative industries. Officials highlighted that the initiative will boost the town's global profile, attract high-quality tourism, support sustainable urban development, and safeguard its unique heritage landscape.

The city's efforts are receiving international recognition. The city recently secured third place among Asia's best cultural tourism destinations in a ranking by the Times of India. Highlighting its commitment to sustainable tourism, Luang Prabang also received 21 awards at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026.

Luang Prabang province, some 220 km north of Lao capital Vientiane, is a top tourist destination for its old temples, scenic attractions and rural landscapes.

Laos is targeting between five and six million international tourist arrivals in 2026, driven by improved regional connectivity and rising global interest in cross-border rail travel.