Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 22 (ANI): Laos Ambassador Vithaya Xayavong on Saturday called for stronger tourism cooperation with New Delhi to attract more Indian visitors to Laos as the two countries are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Addressing the 56th Annual Convention of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) here, Xayavong said the anniversary year offers an important opportunity to deepen bilateral ties across political, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

'In the year 2026, the Lao PDR and India will proudly commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, making a significant milestone in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between our two countries and providing an important opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties across the political, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchange,' the Laos envoy said.

Highlighting Laos' tourism potential, Xayavong described the country as a destination offering beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spiritual experiences and warm hospitality.

'Lao PDR is also a unique and attractive tourism destination offering a beautiful landscape, rich cultural heritage, spiritual experience and warm hospitality,' she said.

The ambassador highlighted several tourism attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Wat Phou and Hin Namno National Park, along with Vientiane, the Mekong River, waterfalls and scenic mountains.

'Visitors can enjoy history, culture, nature, adventure and other local experiences,' Xayavong said.

She also emphasised Laos' longstanding cultural and spiritual links with India, particularly through Buddhism and historical connections with Indian civilisation.

'With the Indian traveller, Lao PDR offers a particularly meaningful destination with the long-standing culture and spiritual link to Buddhism and the historical connection with Indian civilisation,' the envoy said.

Xayavong invited Indian families, pilgrims, young travellers, business visitors and adventure seekers to visit Laos and experience its culture and traditions.

'We warmly invite Indian families, pilgrims, young travellers, business visitors and adventure seekers to discover the beauty and tradition of Laos,' she added.

Calling for greater tourism cooperation during the anniversary year, the Lao envoy said stronger engagement could help bring more Indian visitors to Laos while deepening people-to-people ties between the two countries.

'By strengthening tourism cooperation between Lao PDR and India, especially in the important anniversary year, we hope to welcome more Indian visitors and further deepen the friendship and people-to-people ties between our two countries,' she said.

The FHRAI Annual Convention brings together policymakers, thought leaders, industry leaders and representatives from the government and private sector, along with hospitality and tourism stakeholders from India and abroad.

The convention is attended by more than 1,000 delegates each year, including leading hoteliers and key stakeholders from across India's tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

It also serves as a major business and networking platform for the hospitality industry, offering opportunities for brand promotion, business development and engagement among corporates and industry participants.

The 70th anniversary of India-Laos diplomatic relations provides an opportunity for both countries to further expand their longstanding partnership through stronger tourism, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. (ANI)