Despite the shining promise of tourism in Lao PDR, much work remains to be done to improve the sector – key among them, developing tourism professionals through training.
Image courtesy of Soulinnara Ratanavong
Tourism training is close to Soulinnara Ratanavong’s heart – a cause she advocates for around the Greater Mekong Sub-Region. An accomplished professional in Lao PDR’s tourism and hospitality industry of Laos, Soulinnara has a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management from Paris and extensive experience in various roles – including her significant contribution as a core team teacher and Head of Finance at the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (Lanith).
Apart from her tourism training advocacy, Soulinnara serves as a board member of Asian Ecotourism Network, where makes a strong case for ecotourism among the region’s tourism leaders
In the following interview, Soulinnara explains why the shortage of quality workforce remains a critical challenge for the tourism industry in Lao PDR, how collaborative efforts between public and private sectors are essential for sustainable growth, and the need for enhanced human resource development to meet the demands of the country’s rapidly growing tourism sector.
In an earlier interview, you mentioned that Lao PDR’s biggest challenges in tourism development are the shortage of quality workforce, and the weak collaboration between public and private sectors. What is the situation now re: public/private collaboration, what progress has been made, and what more needs to be done?
The shortage of quality workforce remains a big challenge not only for the tourism industry but all sectors. Moreover, there is less enrollment to higher education each year due to the shifting of mindset caused by the current social-economy. The collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen the service quality in Laos through professional development is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry. While such partnerships have the potential to yield positive outcomes, it is essential to address issues of consistency to maximise their effectiveness.
The Lao PDR’s tourism sector’s growth is outpacing the availability of trained tourism professionals. How does your work help to address this problem? What more needs to be done?
As a freelance consultant in HRM, HRD and a trainer, my main focus is to enhance the knowledge and skills of human resource whether newly graduated or existing workforce whenever possible. I believe that knowledge transferring and experiences sharing are one of the best ways to enhance sustainable development.
As a board member of Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN), I am involved in Standards development for ecotourism in Asian countries. These standards were created in accordance with the Asian context, which would enhance the service quality of ecotourism in Asia; while ensuring the natural conservation and cultural preservation which Lao PDR could benefit from these standards as well.
Image courtesy of Soulinnara Ratanavong
What does sustainable tourism look like in Lao PDR? What are good examples of sustainable tourism in the country?
Nature-based tourism is one of the main tourism activities in Lao PDR given the country’s rich natural landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Lao PDR is known for its stunning scenery, including lush forests, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Local communities are engaging in the tourism operation as local tour guides, storytellers, homestays, as well as local food and beverage providers.
Green Discovery Laos is one of the good examples of sustainable tourism in the country, where they work with the local community, promote local products and bring out the beauty of nature. (Editor’s note: we previously interviewed Green Discovery Laos’s founder Inthy Deuansavanh on Mekong Voices.)
How do you ensure that the principles of sustainable tourism are integrated into your training programs?
The syllabuses were designed to ensure that they encompass all essential elements. By adhering to these syllabuses in developing the teaching materials, I ensure a comprehensive educational experience.
Linking theoretical knowledge with practical examples of sustainable tourism, particularly from Asian countries, provides students with valuable insights and real-world applications. The teaching materials were reviewed every year to keep them updated and in line with current trends.
In what ways has your work with the Asian Ecotourism Network intersected with your advocacy promoting human capital in the Lao PDR tourism industry? What is the relationship between the two?
Working with Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) allows me to collaborate and learn from leaders, experts and professionals in Ecotourism as well as the Sustainable sector.
I therefore applied the knowledge and experiences that I gained into my teaching as well as my interaction with my students, trainees and staff. Knowledge transfer is my method in promoting human capital in Lao PDR’s tourism industry.
Image courtesy of Soulinnara Ratanavong
Can you share any success stories of individuals who have benefited from your training programs and gone on to make significant contributions to the tourism industry?
Every individual who graduated from Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) is a success story for us. They are taking part in driving social-economy of Lao PDR, some of them are working in the tourism industry, where they play a crucial role in promoting Lao PDR as a tourist destination, providing quality service to visitors, and contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.
While some of our students become teachers and trainers in tourism education, they are instrumental in passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation of tourism professionals. By training future leaders in the industry, they help ensure its continued growth and sustainability.
The success stories of LANITH graduates were a testament to the institute’s commitment to providing quality education and training in the field of tourism and hospitality. Their achievements reflected not only their individual accomplishment but also the collective contribution of LANITH towards the advancement of the tourism sector in Laos.
Strengthening of Human Resources in Hospitality and Tourism by the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH). Photo credit: Luxembourg Development Agency
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to enter the tourism industry in Lao PDR?
Tourism industry in Laos is a fast growing sector, there are plenty of job opportunities and knowledge enhancement for those who would love to embrace this path. Tourism allows you to travel, meet and work with people from different backgrounds, which allows you to grow.
You just need to be sure that working in this industry is what you want to do because it’s not an easy path, but the rewards and experiences can be incredibly fulfilling for those who are passionate about this work. If the answer is yes, then begin to take the path and just enjoy the ride!
Image courtesy of Soulinnara Ratanavong
