Developer: Plain of Jars Concession Intended to Boost Tourism, Attract Visitors

via Laotian Times, 04 August 2023: A private mining company, CNP Group, has been granted a concession to develop two sites within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plain of Jars, aiming to improve tourism facilities and attract visitors by adding cherry blossom trees and other initiatives. However, some experts and stakeholders express concerns about potential negative impacts on the area’s natural beauty and authenticity.

According to a statement from the Head of the Planning and Investment Department in Xieng Khoung, Mr. Khamphouy Nola, the company will be allowed to develop Site 2 and Site 3. This will include the development of tourism activities, transportation services, and other facilities.

Under UNESCO regulations, Site 1, the largest area in the Plains of Jars, comprising 33,97 hectares, will remain unchanged, while landscaped gardens, ethnic-style houses, and restaurants will be added to the list of permitted sites.

But tourism stakeholders are skeptical about the plans after witnessing the negative effects of similar concessions given to local companies at other tourism sites in the past.

Source: Developer: Plain of Jars Concession Intended to Boost Tourism, Attract Visitors – Laotian Times