Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that, according to the Lao Tourism Authority (KPL), following the previous "Explore Laos" column's introduction of the ASEAN Clean Tourism Awards, this issue focuses on the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards. The core aim of this award is to promote high-quality development of the tourism industry while enhancing tourists' confidence in the service quality of winning attractions.
It is understood that tourist attractions must pass five core tourism indicators to receive this honor, specifically including ASEAN Clean Public Toilets, ASEAN Green Hotels and Food & Beverages, ASEAN Citizen Guides and Travel Agencies (or Hotels), and Local Public Participation. The awards are divided into two categories: urban areas and rural areas.
In 2026, the Lao People's Democratic Republic performed exceptionally well in the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards, themed "Eco-Friendly Tourist Attractions," winning a total of five awards (covering both urban and rural categories): the National Museum of Luang Prabang Province in the urban area, and the Nam Katyolapa in Oudomxay Province, Thaphan in Champasak Province, Nam Pyiamyolapa in Vientiane, and the Rock Viewpoint in Khammouane Province in the rural areas.
According to available information, the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards were officially launched in January 2016 at the 35th ASEAN Tourism Expo and the ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting held in Manila, Philippines. This meeting clarified the vision of the "ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025": "By 2025, ASEAN will become a quality tourism destination, offering new, unique, and diverse experiences, and will be committed to developing tourism in a responsible, sustainable, inclusive, and equitable manner, making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development and livelihoods of the ASEAN people." To achieve this vision, the ten ASEAN member states are working together to continuously promote sustainable tourism development in the region.
Currently, the importance of implementing ASEAN tourism standards is widely recognized. These standards not only encourage tourism operators and stakeholders to improve the quality of tourism products and services and promote responsible tourism management, helping ASEAN to build a sustainable and competitive joint tourism destination; the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards also aim to promote the implementation of ASEAN tourism standards, foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and local communities to jointly develop tourism products for member states, help reduce environmental problems, and promote socio-cultural exchange and sustainable economic development. The awards are given annually based on consensus among ASEAN member states and focus on different themes.
