Elephants playing trumpets are the symbol of Visit Laos Year 2024

Laos has just officially announced the theme and symbol for the National Tourism Year 2024. In particular, the image of an elephant and a flute have been chosen as the lucky symbol for the tourism year.

Symbol of Visit Laos Year 2024. (Photo: Vientiane Times)

Laos has its historical origins in the Kingdom of Lan Xang, which was founded in the 14th century by King Phraya Fa Ngum. Lan Xang means Vientiane. Therefore, Laos is known as the land of Vientiane or the land of a million elephants. In fact, Laos used to be home to many elephants. In the past, elephants played a role as a means of transportation in the lives of Lao people.

Meanwhile, the panpipe is an ancient national musical instrument of the Lao people, considered one of the symbols of Laos. In 2027, the “Lao Panpipe” was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

With such meanings, Laos decided to choose the image of an elephant and a flute as a lucky symbol for National Tourism Year 2024.

The Vientiane Times newspaper quoted Ms. Suanesavanh Vignaket - Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism at a press conference on the afternoon of November 13, saying that the theme of the National Tourism Year 2024 event is "A Paradise of Lao Culture, Nature and History".

After a period of interruption due to the pandemic, the National Tourism Year 2024 event is expected to create great momentum for Laos' smokeless industry, create more jobs, and attract foreign currency. Along with a series of tourism events within the framework of the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2024, Laos aims to affirm its position and further promote the country's cultural and tourism values.

The official opening ceremony of Visit Laos Year 2024 will take place on November 23, 2023 at That Luang Square in Vientiane, the capital city, at the same time as the opening day of That Luang Festival - Laos' biggest religious festival of the year. This year, That Luang Festival will be held from November 23 to 27.

In line with efforts to best prepare for Visit Laos Year 2024, the government aims to welcome at least 2.7 million foreign tourists next year, generating revenue of about 401 million USD. Meanwhile, in 2025, the number of international tourists to Laos is expected to reach 2.9 million, generating revenue of 434 million USD.

Elephants playing trumpets are the symbol of Visit Laos Year 2024