Khammouane Province Signs 50-Year Land Concession for Tourism and Nature Conservation

Khammouane Province in northern Laos has signed a 50-year land concession agreement with KK Tourism Development Sole Co., Ltd. for tourism development and nature conservation. The agreement was officially signed on September 23, 2026, at the Khammouane Provincial Department of Industry and Commerce. Signatories included Mr. Phakone Keomanee, Head of the Office of the Provincial Investment Promotion and Management Committee, and Mr. Khamby Lattanavong, President of KK Tourism Development Sole Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Manothong Phongsavath, Acting Head of the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sakda Keomaneixay, President of the Thakhek District Administration Committee, and representatives from relevant government departments and sectors. The "Khoun Nam Phone" tourism and conservation project will encompass 20 designated zones, with five allocated for tourism development and 15 for nature conservation. The project has a total investment value of US$1.21 million, with a registered capital of US$500,000. This concession was approved in accordance with Decision No. 061/PAC.KM, issued by the President of the Khammouane Provincial Administration Committee on August 5, 2026. The project is expected to contribute to tourism development in Khammouane Province while promoting the protection and sustainable use of local natural resources. Laos has experienced a steady increase in international tourist arrivals since 2024. Statistics for 2025 indicated that over 3 million foreign tourists visited the country in the first eight months, a 15% rise compared to the same period in 2024. This project is anticipated to further enhance regional tourism growth. The Lao government has been increasingly focused on managing and conserving its tourism assets. Effective September 1, 2026, the government assumed full management and conservation of the Vat Phou Champasak World Heritage Site following the expiration of a concession previously held by Ying Chokchai Sole Co., Ltd. Regionally, the 7th Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, held on August 27, adopted a joint action plan for 2026–2028 to promote the "Five Countries, One Destination" concept and encourage sustainable tourism growth. On the same day, the 8th CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) Tourism Ministers’ Meeting also took place in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting regional efforts to boost tourism. Source: KPL Laos News