| Abstract: |
This paper examines the key factors influencing the international tourist
expenditure in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) using a unique
survey data of international tourists. The empirical analysis was implemented
with quantile regression technique. The data are based on the 2019 survey of
international tourist arrivals from the Ministry of Information, Culture and
Tourism (MICT), Lao (Lao PDR). The results indicate that the increase in
international tourist arrivals and improving domestic and international
flights have had a strong positive impact on international tourist expenditure
in Lao PDR. In addition, the growth of hotel and service availability, and
promotion of tourist activities in Luang Prabang and the capital city of
Vientiane have had a positive impact on tourist expenditure. The promotion of
travel for senior citizens, advertising on social media (such as Facebook or
Twitter) and visits to Luang Prabang (a World Heritage site) have had a
positive impact on overall international tourist expenditure. |