VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 2.5 million foreign tourists visited Laos in the first half of 2026, an increase of 9.87 percent compared to the figures for the same period in 2025.

File photo: AFP

Laos welcomed 2,590,511 international visitors during the first six months of 2026, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Thailand remained the country's largest source of visitors, accounting for 833,738 arrivals, followed by China with 675,365 and Vietnam with 586,190.

The steady rise in international tourist arrivals has become a key driver of Laos' service sector, helping sustain the country's broader economic growth.

In the first half of 2025, Laos welcomed 2,357,722 international visitors.

The government continues to prioritize tourism as a pillar of sustainable economic and social development by leveraging the country's rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and biodiversity.

On July 23, Laos hosted the Laos Biodiversity Destination Forum in northern Laos' Oudomxay province dedicated to biodiversity tourism. The meeting highlighted biodiversity and healthy ecosystems as valuable tourism assets capable of attracting visitors from around the world while supporting long-term conservation.

Laos aims to attract more than 43 million visitors between 2026 and 2030, including 22 million international and 21 million domestic tourists. To achieve this target, the government plans to improve infrastructure at major tourist destinations, raise service standards, and strengthen the skills of tourism workers.

In 2025, Laos welcomed over 4.5 million foreign visitors, an 11 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing the government's target. Thailand, China, and Vietnam were the top sources of international tourists.