Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality LANITH officially opened its newest project, a hospitality complex in the former royal capital city of Luang Prabang in Central Laos.
LUANG PRABANG – Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality LANITH is a cooperation project between Luxemburg and Laos to improve human resources in the sector of tourism by providing training and education facilities to Laotian people. Present since 2010, LANITH provides training courses but is also embarked into a major project of constructing a training school and hotel in Vientiane city centre. While this project is estimated to cost some US$ 50 million, LANITH is facing delays in the realization of this ambitious project, especially for the construction of a 75-100 room international standard hotel.
However, LANITH continues to move forward and is now opening its first hospitality complex and training centre in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang.
On February 28, LANITH Luang Prabang (LLP) hosted an open house to introduce its new hospitality complex and training centre to some 150 guests, including Lao ministry officials, government department directors, local business owners, and a large delegation from Luxembourg along with dignitaries from several neighbouring countries.
LANITH Chief Technical Advisor Peter Semone highlighted on that day that the open house was an opportunity to present Luxembourg’s innovative approach to hospitality training and education. Most important is to handover a fully operational, successful, sustainable social enterprise to Laos.”
LANITH Technical Advisor, Industry Training, Mike Loose and Manager on Duty/LANITH Core Team Member Chounlachan “Nickie” Phengdy guided guests to LLP’s meeting room, Balcony Bar & Restaurant, and four guestrooms, revenue from which will fund the sustainable operation of LLP’s skills training centre and award-winning Passport to Success programme, which is another source for funds.
LANITH provided Euro 200,000 for LLP’s construction, while Hong Kong Polytechnic University donated USD50,000 in kitchen equipment. LANITH Core Team Members oversee the operation of the hospitality complex and training centre.
Mr. Semone noted that the Ministry of Education and Sports’ (MoES) Ban Khoy location, about 3.5 km from the city’s tourist hub at the Nam Dong Bridge en-route to Kuang Si Waterfalls, is well situated to attract business events, tour busses returning from the falls, overnight guests seeking accommodation in a “real” Luang Prabang neighbourhood, and cyclers looking for refreshments and great river-and-mountain views just a 15-minute pedal from town.
He also outlined LLP’s pre-opening phase. During the low tourist season from March to September, LLP will concentrate on its extended Passport to Success “Go for Gold” skills training programme for local hospitality staff, while also revving up its banquet facilities. LLP’s amply-equipped meeting room can accommodate 16 persons in a U-shaped configuration, 24 in a classroom format, and 36 in a theatre set up. Organizers can choose from a selection of set menus for coffee breaks and meals.
LLP’s four guestrooms are also ready for guests. Minimalistic décor, snug beds, a naturally cool breeze or air-conditioning, and sizeable balconies characterize all rooms, while each presents distinct layouts and views, from the garden pond and soothing sunrises to the scenic Nam Dong River and mountain sunsets.
LLP 60-seat Balcony Bar & Restaurant, is set to fully open in October, though the outlet, decked out in local wood furnishings and encircled by a wide terrace, can be reserved now for special events. The menu will feature international and local cuisine backed by a well-stocked bar, and LLP is in the midst of sealing a deal with a celebrity European chef.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
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