VIENTIANE, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- People and authorities in Laos are preparing activities for the end of Buddhist Lent and boat racing festival, which will be held at the end of October, aiming to boost consumption.

"This year, we hope to welcome more domestic and international tourists to experience Lao cultural events and a festive atmosphere throughout the town. In addition, I hope this festival will help promote consumption across the country," Chanthlah Sounvilay, a restaurant owner in Lao capital Vientiane, told Xinhua on Thursday.

Governor of Chanthaboury District of Vientiane Douangta Soulivong told media that the celebration of the end of Buddhist Lent and boat racing festival will take place from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30.

Chansamone, a food vendor at a night market in Vientiane, told Xinhua that he believed the event would attract more visitors, both domestic and abroad.

"As a businessman, I pin high hopes on this upcoming event. I hope this festival could help boost the country's tourism and economic recovery."

To guarantee safe and smooth transport during the upcoming travel rush for the festival, authorities in Vientiane also allocated specific routes for traffic and parking during the event.

Meanwhile, Champasak provincial authorities are preparing activities for the festival, which will take place from Oct. 29 to Oct. 30 in Pakse city, aiming to stage a grander event than in previous years.

"Provincial authorities have arranged for at least 300 stalls to sell agricultural produce, manufactured goods, 'One District, One Product' and other goods produced in Champasak province, to generate more revenues for local residents," Pakse city governor Bualee Phetsongkham told a press conference on Monday.

These stalls are open from Oct. 10 to Oct. 30 and will add color to the streets of Pakse, as well as provide shoppers with plenty of bargains, he added.

On Oct. 29, a morning almsgiving ceremony will take place at Luang Pakse temple in Pakse city, followed by a candlelight procession in the evening.

This year's boat racing festival particularly targets tourists, which the province hopes to attract in large numbers.

In the run-up to Visit Laos Year 2024, provincial officials have improved visitor facilities and the standard of services at places of accommodation and restaurants.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, at least 700,000 people visited Champasak province each year. But in 2022, the figure dwindled to just over 191,000 visitors due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The Lao government considers tourism as its top priority in revitalizing the economy.

The Visit Laos Year 2024 tourism promotion campaign will be officially launched on November 23, aimed at attracting at least 4.6 million tourists in 2024. Enditem

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