Chiang Rai, Luang Namtha to link tourism route

CHIANG RAI, THAILAND, November 21 (TNA) - Thailand’s northern Chiang Rai Province and Lao PDR’s Luang Namtha Province have agreed to link their cross-border tourism route to create more income for people of both sides. Chiang Rai Deputy Governor Boonwate Sripuangjai led local government officials, representatives of Thai tour operators and media members to visit Luang Namtha in Lao PDR on Monday to strengthen ties with their counterparts, during which the two sides exchanged ideas and information on jointly developing the cross-border tourism route. Luang Namtha Deputy Governor Bunyi Kaeobunmuang welcomed the plan, saying as it should promote both Chiang Rai and Luang Namtha's tourism, especially natural, art and cultural tourist destinations. According to the Luang Namtha deputy governor, hotels and resorts in his province can accommodate about 1,800 tourists a day and food is enough to cater 6,000 people. The Luang Namtha deputy governor revealed that he will forward information exchanged during Monday's meeting to Lao operators of tourism-related businesses in order to expand their investment and facilities to cater for more tourists in the future. The Chiang Rai deputy governor noted that Monday's meeting will lead to more cross-border cooperation to attract European and Asian tourists to both provinces to create sustainable income for local people of both sides. (TNA)