Luang Prabang hotelier ready to welcome AEC

The term "Asean Economic Commu-nity" has become known across the region. Landlocked Laos with a population of more than 6 million is no exception.
Santi Inthavong, owner of a hotel and resort in Luang Prabang, has realised that the opening of the AEC in 2015 will bring big changes to his cultural city. Unavoidably, his 20-year experience in running hotels is facing a challenge.

"Personally, I am not afraid much about the AEC opening. I believe the integration will be both negative and positive at the same time," he said.

Villa Santi Hotel is his first brand, which was opened 20 years ago. The four-star 20-room boutique hotel is in the centre of the Unesco World Heritage city, furnished with both modern amenities and antiques from the royal family.

In 2003, he opened a new brand, Santi Resort & Spa. The 63-room four-star resort is outside the downtown area, a 10-minute drive. It has gained a good reception from guests as well.

Both properties have enjoyed occupancy rates of more than 60 per cent. Guests come from around the world, especially Europe. International guests make up 70 per cent of the total. Thais account for the highest number of Asian travellers, aiming to follow the Buddhist lifestyle, especially giving alms to monks.

Last year, Luang Prabang had 1,000 rooms in four- and five-star hotels, Santi said.

He believes his strong business foundation as a pioneer in the city's hotel business will help him compete head-on with rivals once the AEC kicks in.

The hotel business in the alcohol-free city has blossomed already before the AEC opening. The growing number of new hotel openings has been accompanied by improved transport facilities, especially the airport.

Santi believes the AEC will offer more advantages than disadvantages. Most important, it will encourage enhanced professionalism to provide quality service to hotel guests.

He will also have a greater opportunity to select qualified staff. In Luang Prabang, skilled labour in the hospitality industry is in short supply. A few colleges have started producing graduates in this field, but not enough to serve the growing market.

English ability will also be in focus. As the country's hosts, hotel staff must have English fluency to serve guests' demands. "Today, if some friends of mine ask me for a job for their offspring, the first question I ask is whether they can speak English," he said. He accepts that companies and property funds from abroad are expected to come into the city to shop for hotel properties. However, he hopes this trend will not be excessive, because if so, the city will lose its traditional image and tranquillity.

The Laotian government is in the process of amending legislation, especially on land-ownership periods, to welcome tourism investment. Tourism is considered a driver of the nation's economic prosperity. However, Luang Prabang's development will be alongside measures to protect its character.

Santi wants to see the city's current state preserved as much as possible. The attractiveness of Laos is a "local experience", offering cultural heritage, temples, and a simple way of life.

The opening up of Myanmar gives him some concerns about competition for tourists. That pristine nation has everything for tourism, especially a charming culture such as the wearing of sarongs by men. Also, its competitive advantage is English-language competency.

He called for all of Asean's member states to work together to move forward and also to ensure balanced development across the region. Complicated issues like tax collection should be clarified to encourage investment. The introduction of a single Asean visa was a good idea to boost regional tourism, he said.

Sourced: nationmultimedia