April 15, 2024
VIENTIANE – Attapeu province is poised to become a centre for nature-based and cultural tourism following the signing of an agreement to carry out a feasibility study on the development of natural resource-based tourism.
The initiative will focus on environmental conservation and the potential for an integrated agriculture productivity project.
A Memorandum of Understanding on the feasibility study was signed in Attapeu province between the Managing Director of the proposed developer, Ms Kingsouda Mingsamone, and the Director of the Planning and Investment Department, Mr Sounnakhone Keoviengkham, representing the provincial government.
The signing was witnessed by the Deputy Director of the Agriculture and Forestry Department, Mr Thongsavath Sithichak; Director of the Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Bounpone Onexayvieng; Samakhixay district Deputy Governor, Mr Khanthong Chaleunsouk; and Xaysettha district Governor, Mr Silay Sisavangsouk; in the presence of other provincial officials and company representatives.
To ensure the success of the feasibility study, the sectors concerned will closely cooperate to ensure consensus at all stages of the study.
The proposed project including the construction of an ethnic cultural park, and a water park complex (also known as a paradise garden complex).
These will be connected to new tourist attractions in the Huaxang area of Xaysi village in Xaysettha district and the construction of a public park and associated services on the Xekong riverbank in Samakhixay district.
The cultivation of coffee and mulberry trees in Sanxay and Sanamxay districts is also planned.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding kicks off the start of a survey, the feasibility study, and the provision of investment for the project, which aims to shape Attapeu province as a centre of nature-based and cultural tourism with close links to environmental conservation, agricultural production, and services provided on the Xekong riverbank.
Provincial authorities are confident that the developer will fulfil the set targets and go ahead with the project if the findings of the feasibility study are positive.
During the MOU signing ceremony, the company, represented by Ms Kingsouda Mingsamone, presented 290 shirts worth 112 million kip to the Deputy Head of the Attapeu provincial administration office, Mr Dapkeo Xayaseng, for distribution among the local community.