VIENTIANE, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has extended invitations to countries worldwide for their support to the tourism promotion campaign Visit Laos Year 2024 in a bid to boost international tourist arrivals.

This nationwide tourism campaign seeks to draw more visitors, contributing to Laos' economic growth, the Vientiane Mai newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department under the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Khom Douangchantha, emphasized the growing influx of Chinese tourists and encouraged Chinese businesses to offer tailored Lao tourism programs for a successful Visit Laos Year 2024, according to the report.

The operation of the China-Laos Railway has enhanced travel options, fostered reciprocal visits between China and Laos, and attracted more tourists from other regional countries.

Laos also aims to attract more visitors from neighboring Vietnam. In a strategic move, Lao Airlines recently signed up a partnership with Vietjet Air, Vietnam's top low-cost airline, to enhance cooperation in passenger and cargo transport. The collaboration was initiated in early December, and Vietjet plans to introduce a direct flight route between the Lao capital Vientiane and Vietnam's southern Ho Chi Minh City, featuring four weekly flights starting in February 2024.

To cater to both domestic and international tourists, the Lao government is actively pushing for improvements in hotel accommodations, tourism resources, products, transportation, and medical facilities, prioritizing quality, safety, and visitors' satisfaction.

Visit Laos Year 2024 stands as a comprehensive tourism promotion initiative, highlighting the Southeast Asian country's cultural, historical, and natural wonders. The Lao government has created a diverse calendar of 79 events, featuring 14 national-level and 65 local events.

Visit Laos Year 2024 is expected to attract 2.7 million foreign visitors and generate 401 million U.S. dollars in revenue.