Summary of the public Management Doctoral dissertation: State management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province of Lao Prd

On the basis of clarifying the theory and practice of state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province, the thesis proposes orientations and solutions to improve state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Phouthone LUANG VI LAY STATE MANAGEMENT OF TOURISM IN LUANG PRA BANG PROVINCE OF LAO PRD Specialization:Public Management Code: 09 34 04 03 SUMMARY OF THE PUBLIC MANAGEMENT DOCTORAL DISSERTATION HA NOI, 2019 The thesisis completed at: NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Science instructor:1.Dr LUONG MINH VIET Associate Professor Dr PHAM DUC CHINH Reviewer1: ……………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… Reviewer2: ……………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… Reviewer3: ……………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… The dissertation will be protected before the academy-level thesis dissertation council Address: Room……Building… , National Academy of Public Administration No 77-Nguyen Chi Thanh street, Dong Da district, Ha Noi Time: ……hrs… Date … Month … Year … The thesis can be found at the Library: National Library of Vietnam or the National Academy of Public Administration library LIST OF PUBLISHED WORKS RELATED TO THE THESIS Article 1: Solution to develop tourism of Luang Pra Bang province, Lao PDR + Author: Phouthone LUANGVILAY + Magazine: State management + No 258 (7/2017); Page: 110 (110-112) Article 2: Some solutions to strengthen state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province, Lao PDR + Author: Phouthone LUANGVILAY + Magazine: Natural Resources and Environment + No 20 (274), (10/2017); Page: 36 (36-37) INTRODUCTION The urgency of the thesis topic Luang Pra Bang is a province with advantages of natural and human resources, beautiful landscapes, clean climate and Muong Luang Pra Bang district, the former capital, which is recognized as the "World Heritage District" by the Education, Science and Literature Organization (UNESCO) on December 9th, 1995 with great potential for tourism development, especially the types of ecotourism, mountainous resorts and sightseeing attractions, cultural history From the Sixth Provincial Party Congress (2010) to now, Luang Pra Bang’s authority has always identified the tourism industry as an important economic industry of the province and in the past years, the tourism industry of Luang Pra Bang has been achieved the good growth rate , contributing to increase the proportion of the service sector in the economic structure of the province and the trend of economic restructuring in the province However, in fact, the development of tourism industry of Luang Pra Bang is still not commensurate with the inherent potential of comparative advantages of the locality Because the authority has not enough conditions to exploit and the state management for the tourism industry also has inadequacies for creating a favorable economic, legal and social environment to develop tourism State management on planning and implementation of sector planning, development perspective, thinking, mechanisms, policies for sector development and investment and investment attraction of the province are limited and weak The tourism industry has not really taken advantage The number of tourists coming to Luang Pra Bang is not much The average number of days of staying and the capacity of rooms are still low The consumption level of guests coming to Luang Pra Bang is still at the level of very modest The tourism industry's contribution to the local budget is not much compared to the development demand The structure of the tourism industry in the provincial economic structure is still low If this situation persists, the tourism industry will hardly become an important economic sector of the province Therefore, scientific and systematic study is to find state management solutions to promote the development of Luang Pra Bang's tourism industry, to make this industry really important in near future Based on the above issues, I chose the topic: "State management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province of Lao PDR" to study and write a Public Management Doctoral Dissertation This is an urgent topic and meaningful both in theory and practice Research purposes and tasks of the thesis 2.1 Research purposes On the basis of clarifying the theory and practice of state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province, the thesis proposes orientations and solutions to improve state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province 2.2 Tasks of the thesis In order to achieve the above objectives, the thesis performs the following tasks: + Overview of domestic and foreign research related to state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province + Systematizing, selecting and supplementing the theoretical basis on state management of tourism in the provincial level + Studying the experience of state management on tourism of some cities in foreign countries to draw lessons for state management on tourism at the provincial level + Analyzing and assessing the actual state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province in recent years, in-depth study of the contents of state management on tourism, showing the advantages, limitations and causes of restrictions on state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province over the past time + Proposing directions and solutions to improve state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province Subjects and scope of research 3.1 Research subjects: The thesis focuses on researching state management activities on tourism in Luang Pra Bang province 3.2 Scope of research: + Regarding the content: State management activities on tourism + Regarding the space: The thesis studies all state management activities on tourism in Luang Pra Bang province Researching the experience of a number of overseas localities is mainly through published documents + Regarding the time: Researching on state management of tourism since 2011 (the first year of implementing the tourism strategy for the period 2011-2020) up to now and vision to 2030 Methodology and research methods 4.1 Methodology - Methodology of dialectical materialism and historical materialism is a common method for the research methods of the thesis, used through the research process, building the thesis topic 4.2 Research methods - Method of systematization: Used to systematize the theoretical basis of state management of tourism in Chapter 2, on the basis of inheriting the results of theoretical research of the research works that have been published - Methods of analysis and synthesis are used to study the theoretical basis in Chapter 2, to assess generally the research results in Chapter 3, directions and solutions to complete state management of tourism in the Chapter and thesis used to draw conclusions of the chapters - The comparative method is used to solve the overview of the research situation and mainly analyze the situation in state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province in Chapter of the thesis The above methods are used flexibly and intertwined, combined to promote the overall efficiency towards completing the research objectives Scientific hypothesis and research questions 5.1 Scientific hypothesis Luang Prabang (in Lao PDR) is a province with strong tourism development, but the tourism activities have not been promoted to attract tourists and tourism projects In order to promote the potential strength, increase the provincial budget, increase the income level for the people, the authority needs measures to develop tourism However, the development of tourism will entail social consequences such as social evils, insecurity, especially serious encroachment on landscapes and monuments How to solve these problems that requires the state management of tourism in Luang Prabang to be concerned and strengthened in order to have effective management measures 5.2 Research questions - How does tourism play a role in socio-economic development? - Why must authority manage tourism? - What does the state management of tourism include? - Which factors does affect the state management of tourism? - What is the current status of state management of tourism in Luang Prabang (Lao PDR) over time? - In order to manage tourism in Luang Prabang province, what measures should Lao PDR implement? New points of the thesis 6.1 Regarding theory - Systematizing state management on tourism, building a framework of state management theory of tourism such as tourism concepts, concepts and contents of state management on tourism, factors affecting state management on tourism - Investigating the state management of tourism of localities of some countries, drawing experience of state management on tourism for applying in Luang Pra Bang province 6.2 Regarding practice - Based on the theoretical framework of state management of tourism, the thesis analyzes and evaluates comprehensively and systematically the status of state management of Luang Pra Bang province over the past time (from 2011 to present) - Determining the direction and solutions to improve the state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province Scientific and practical significance of the thesis - The research results of the thesis will provide more scientific basis for state management on tourism - The results of the thesis will provide Luang Pra Bang Provincial People's Committee with some solutions for applying in state management of tourism in the province - The research results of the thesis will be the document for teaching and reference for the study of state management on tourism Structure of the thesis In addition to the introduction, conclusions, recommendations and lists of references, appendices, the thesis consists of chapters Chapter OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH SITUATION RELATED TO THE THEMES 1.1 Research works on tourism activities 1.1.1 Domestic research works : The article by Bun Huong Doi Pha Chan, "Luang Pra Bang: Tourism with preserving the culture and promoting the people's craft tradition"; Article by Mun Keo O La Bun "Traveling with Culture"; Sy Am Phay So La Thi "The role of tourism in socio-economic development in Laos"; Research topic of Lao National Economic Research Institute: "Economic, social - cultural impacts and poverty reduction in the tourism industry in Lao PDR"; Article by Sam Lan Bun Nha Xan: "Lao tourism" 1.1.2 Foreign research works : "Tourism resources" by Bui Thi Hai Yen (editor), Pham Hong Long; Hoang Van Thanh, "Tourism Marketing Curriculum"; "Research on building competitive Vietnam tourism products in the region and internation" Ministry-level scientific topic of Do Cam Tho (Chairman); Nguyen Van Luu "Vietnam Tourism Integrating in ASEAN" 1.2 Studies on state management for tourism 1.2.1 Domestic research works : Sa Năn Si Pha Phôm Ma Chăn (2009): "Tourism management towards integration with neighboring countries in Cham Pa Sac province"; Master's thesis in economics of Mon Xay Lao Mua Xông "Sustainable tourism management in Northern provinces of Laos" 1.2.2 Foreign research works: Trinh Dang Thanh (2004): "State management by law for tourism activities in Vietnam"; Nguyen Minh Duc: “State management of trade and tourism activities in Son La province in the process of industrialization and modernization"; Nguyen Tan Vinh (2008): “Completing state management on tourism in Lam Dong province”; Ho Duc Phoc (2009): "Completing state management for tourism urban infrastructure in Vietnam"; Scientific topic of Sokxay Soutthaveth "Sustainable tourism management for integrating ASEAN economic community"; Saknalin Keosi's doctoral thesis "Using legal measures for managing tourists in buying and selling travel services in Thailand in the form of a one-time fee payment"; Article by Xu Xeng: "State management of China's tourism business activities" 1.3 Evaluating research projects related to the topic and issues that need further study 1.3.1 These achievements The studies on tourism are relatively abundant, referring to tourism activities in general These projects focus on the role of tourism in local and national socio-economic development Tourism studies have provided information on the situation, strengths and limitations of tourism in Luang Prabang province Those are precious documents for the thesis to have an overall picture of local tourism activities, on that basis; it will propose appropriate state management measures The above published scientific works at home and abroad have mentioned the theoretical basis of state management on tourism; travel concept; tourism management concept; state management tools on tourism such as tourism policy, planning and law; contents of state management on tourism; management measures on tourism activities as well as management for tourists Research results of scientific works have been published as documents for the construction of a theoretical framework on state management for tourism, reviewing and assessing the actual state management of tourism in Luang Prabang province, the Lao People's Democratic Republic 1.3.2 Issues need to continue research Through research projects related to the topic, the state management on tourism is not a new and strange issue; it has been studied by many authors with the different content and aspects In Lao PDR, there are very few studies on state management for tourism Among the few research works, there are mainly graduate theses Therefore, the scientific fleet of these works is not much However, the contents of these works are suggestions for the author to study the state management of tourism in Luang Prabang province In Vietnam, Thailand and China, there are some research projects on state management of tourism, which are doctoral dissertation, scientific topics, and articles in specialized journals However, the works are studied from an economic or legal perspective, not to enforce the functions and tasks of state management agencies in the field of tourism Thus, it can be affirmed that many works have been researched related to the topic, but the study of state management on tourism from a public management perspective is still a gap to continue research Therefore, the thesis is completely new, highly urgent from many perspectives 1.3.3 New perspective of inheritance and development of the topic On the basis of research and reference the previous works, the author has learned a lot of state management experiences about tourism of some localities in foreign countries, especially Vietnam The thesis concentrates on clarifying and supplementing the theoretical basis of state management on tourism in the provincial level, assessing the real situation to find out the causes of both strengths, weaknesses, building up the content of assessment for state management of tourism Chapter SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF STATE MANAGEMENT ON TOURISM 2.1 Overview of travelling 2.1.1 Concept of travelling Researching different definitions of tourism, to get a more comprehensive approach to tourism as a local and national economic sector, the tourism concept in the thesis is understood as: "Tourism is an economic sector that includes activities of guiding tourism, production and exchange of goods and services of businesses and people, in order to respond to needs of travelling, storage, accommodation, dining, sightseeing, entertainment, adventure and the others of tourists These activities must bring economic, political and social benefits to the locality, to the businesses themselves and the people” 2.1.2 Characteristics of travelling - Sensitivity: Because tourism products are highly integrated, comparing to other industries, tourism shows this characteristic more clearly A travel program offered by suppliers must ensure the accuracy of time and science - Seasonality: Due to the influence of geographic, natural and erratic factors, tourism business has a clear seasonality - Synthesis: Deriving from the need of high synthesis of tourists that tourism activities have specific characteristics - Multidisciplinary: In addition to the above requirements for a tour, visitors require indispensable services such as services of banks, customs, border gates, post and telecommunications - Interregionality: Due to the demand of discovery and enjoyment of tourists, it always requires service providers or tourism activities to offer attractive tourism packages, avoiding monotonous boredom - Cost: The purpose of traveling by tourists is basically to enjoy tourism products, not to make money 2.1.3 The role of tourism in socio-economic development - Role for politics: Tourism helps strengthen relationships and mutual understanding among peoples around the world, helping to strengthen international peace and solidarity In the country, tourism helps strengthen exchanges between regions and ethnic groups to create understanding, sympathy and solidarity of the community 10 the environment, preserving natural resources; exploiting the power of economic sectors, taking advantage of internal and external resources; being suitable for interdisciplinary, regional; tourism is an important industry in the direction of industrialization and modernization - About the goal, identifying key indicators (adjusted in 2015) to 2020 as follows: GDP of tourism accounts for 30% of the provincial GDP (350 million USD/1007 million USD); welcomed 1.6 million visitors, including 1.1 million international visitors; accommodation facilities reach 80 hotels and 345 guesthouses, including 3-5 star standard hotels and motels - About developing tourism products: Highly focusing to develope typical types of tourism products: (1) visiting historical and cultural sites; (2) Ecotourism, relaxation; (3) sightseeing and ecosystems; (4) Sports and entertainment ; (5) conferenceworkshop (MICE) - About tourism business system: travel business; accommodation, restaurants; transporting tourists; entertainment, sports, relaxation and other services Evaluating the results of implementing tourism development planning: - Attracting tourists: During years (2012-2018) the number of tourists to Luang Pra Bang increased an average of 11.10% annually, to 2018 up to 655,412 In which domestic tourists increased by 11.45% on average, international visitors increased by 13.63% on average In 2018 the number of international visitors reached 472,942 , domestic visitors reached 182,470 Table 3.1 The number of tourists to Luang Pra Bang in the period 2011-2018 Unit: arrival Year Total number of guests Numbe % increasing r compared to the previous year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 329,409 388,899 410,855 467,965 531,327 18,05 5,64 13,90 13,53 Domestic visitor Numbe % r increasing compared to the previous year 112,545 10,88 114,393 10,64 116,642 10,96 125,354 10,46 152,328 12,51 14 International visitor Numbe % r increasing compared to the previous year 216,864 11,80 274,506 12,57 294,213 10,17 342,611 16,41 378,999 11,62 2016 607,584 14,35 161,712 10,16 445,872 17,64 2017 639,599 5,26 170,013 10,13 469,586 10,31 2018 655,412 2,47 182,470 10,32 472,942 10,71 Sources: Luang Pra Bang Provincial Department of InformationCulture and Tourism[89] Table 3.3 Difference between forecast and actual tourist to Luang Pra Bang in the period of 2012-2018 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Categories Total number of international 454,7 569,9 619,5 699,7 789,8 918,9 976,8 1.032 visitors (thousand) Average 16,4 12,3 10,7 12,9 12,8 11,3 10.3 10,6 annual Forecast growth (%) 2010 Total number of domestic visitors 243,4 255,2 263,6 273,1 323,1 355,7 388,4 422,0 (thousand) Average 11,5 10,8 10,2 10,6 11,3 11,2 10,0 11,6 annual growth (%) Total number of international 216,8 274,5 294,2 342,6 378,9 445,8 469,5 472,9 visitors (thousand) Average Reality 12,3 12,6 10,1 16,4 11,5 17,6 10,3 10,7 annual develop growth (%) Total number of ment domestic visitors 112,5 114,3 116,6 125,3 152,3 161,7 170,0 182,4 (thousand) Average 10,3 10,6 10,0 10,4 12,5 10,1 10,1 10,2 annual growth (%) International Differen -52,3 -51,8 -52,5 -51,0 -52,0 -51,4 -51,9 -54,1 visistor ce from forecast Domestic -53,7 -55,2 -55,7 -54,1 -52,8 -54,5 -56,2 -56,7 % visitors Sources: Plan of Luang Pra Bang tourism development and Provincial Department of Information-Culture and Tourism - About tourism business: The system of accommodation for tourism is increasingly developed, 15 meeting market demands; travel business, entertainment activities and guest services were formed and expanded but not really developed - About tourism products: All types of tourism are deployed, but new tourism products have not created a bold mark in tourists, lack of competitiveness - About organizing travel space: Tourist sites and spots have been planned and put into operation and construction investment But in general, the progress of investment exploitation and deployment is still slow - About investment in tourism development: In general, investment projects have been implemented and have many good results But compared to the potential, the implementation progress is still slow Through the implementation of the plan, the following general assessment can be done: The plan of Luang Pra Bang tourism development for the period 2010-2020 and the orientation to 2030 is a comprehensive, basic and long-term document that addresses the views, tasks, objectives and directions for development of tourist resorts and destinations by territory; types of tourism products; type of tourism business; development investment direction However, the plan is built on the basis of exploiting the rich tourism resources of the province, but lacks the basis for market analysis and competition in the tourism industry with competitors, customers, tourism products, advantages and selecting appropriate development planning strategies 3.2.2 Promulgating and organizing the implementation of legal documents and policies on tourism development 3.2.2.1 Regarding preferential policies and investment attraction Luang Pra Bang has issued a number of preferential policies to attract investment according to the current regulations of the State, some of these policies have been effective in attracting many investment projects in the province 3.2.2.2 Land policy Based on Land Law 2003, Luang Pra Bang’s authority enacted the policy of using land for investing tourism business 3.2.2.3 Financial, credit and price policies The province lends capital to invest or support interest after investment, or guarantee investment credit from the State's investment credit capital 16 Regarding the tax policy, the management of tax collection for tourism in Luang Pra Bang organized the implementation of policies in accordance with the current regulations of the State and Decision No 44/2006/QD-TLPB, on tax collection management for tourism business activities in the province (amended and supplemented in 2013) 3.2.2.4 Policies for managing and developing tourism resources The province has invested and put into operation 111 resorts and spots; the environmental quality in tourist destinations today has been improved; the social order and safety conditions are ensured; the quality of customer service is improved compared to previous years, of which the cultural elements have been given more attention 3.2.3 Granting, revoking licenses and certificates of tourism activities By 2018, there were 6,447 businesses in Luang Pra Bang province with valid business registration licenses (6,167 enterprises established under the Enterprise Law, 19 foreign businesses, 261 foreign-invested enterprises) including 1324 businesses operating in the field of tourism and tourism services The budget contribution of the non-state enterprise system is an important part of the provincial budget In 2017, the tax revenue of this enterprise system was 288 billion kip, up 12.0% compared to 2016 and accounting for 80,5% (this rate of 2016 was 69.4%) of tax collected for the entire enterprise system of all economic sectors in the province, and at the same time, the trend has been increasing rapidly However, in managing the enterprise system, there are often difficulties According to the Bureau of Statistics’s individual survey in 2016, in the province of Luang Pra Bang, there are 3,984 hotels, motels and restaurants in which there are 185 enterprises, 2,446 establishments that had business registration, accounted for 61.39%, 2,620 establishments paying VAT accounting for 65.76% of the total number of establishments The number of establishments that have not registered and paid VAT accounting for 38.60% and 34.23%, so the number of establishments providing accommodation and catering services that not controlled by local administration and functional sectors are still many 3.2.4 Tourism promotion The tourism promotion and advertisement in the province have focused on the content of attracting tourists, promoting the brand, building the image of people and places of Luang Pra Bang in many forms: organizing festivals; opening representative offices to promote tourism in 17 some cities; printing and publishing magazines, providing information; organizing cooperation and association with local and foreign localities to develop tourism However, the ability of the apparatus to make promotion work lacks professionalism; enterprises have not yet focused on promoting tourism together with state management agencies 3.2.5 Organizing state management apparatus on tourism Tourism Department was established under Decision No 49/2006 / QD-TLPB dated February 30th, 2006 of Luang Pra Bang Province The Tourism Department is a specialized agency of the Luang Pra Bang provincial government, serving as a counselor to help the provincial government perform the function of state management of tourism in the province, state management of public services in the field of tourism within the scope of management of the department in accordance with the law; performing a number of tasks and powers according to the assignment or authorization of the provincial government and the provisions of law 3.2.6 Training and fostering tourism human resources Luang Pra Bang’s tourism industry has cooperated with the Lao National Tourism Administration and tourism training institutions in Luang Pra Bang to organize training courses for tourism managers at district level, village level, hotel management and service, hotel-restaurant, tourist guide The incentive policies for cadres and civil servants who have been trained, have not yet played an important role as a trap to encourage learners 3.2.7 Checking, inspecting and handling violations of travel laws The contents of inspecting and controlling in the field of tourism activities are: the implementation of policies on land, management of historical and cultural relics, scenic spots, environmental protection, investment in infrastructure construction, implementation of regulations on taxes, prices However, the inspection of tourism business activities still lack specific plans and coordination to make businesses dominate and affect business activities District authorities in some places also conduct business inspections but not according to regulations 3.3 Assessing the state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province, Lao People's Democratic Republic In each of the contents of chapter 3, the dissertation analyzed the situation and drew assessing comments In this section, the thesis synthesizes the above comments 3.3.1 Achievements in state management of tourism in Luang Pra 18 Bang province Firstly, the direction of developing and organizing the implementation of mechanisms, policies, and tourism development projects of the province has improved Secondly, the provincial tourism development plan has innovated both in terms of content, method and implementation Thirdly, tourism promotion activities are boosted in many forms Fourthly, the province has paid more attention to the development of infrastructure and tourism - technical facilities, focusing on investment Fifthly, the work of establishing interdisciplinary, inter-regional and inter-national cohesion in tourism, between local and central government in state management of tourism has seen positive changes Sixthly, the training, retraining and support training of human resources for tourism activities has been strengthened Seventhly, the state management apparatus on tourism has been gradually improved and rearranged Eightly, the inspection for tourism activities are maintained regularly 3.3.2 Shortcomings and limitations in state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province Firstly, the strategies, plans and projects of tourism development is not accurate and complete Secondly, the propagation and dissemination of policies and laws on tourism for people and the raising of awareness of local communities about the role of tourism in socio-economic development is still low Thirdly, the concretization and promulgation of mechanisms and policies under its authority to manage and administer tourism activities are still slow at times Fourthly, human resources have not met the demand for local tourism development Fifthly, tourism promotion activities have still focused on images, not associated with domestic and foreign businesses and tourists Sixthly, the inspection of tourism activities and handling violations in the field of tourism have been still inadequate 3.3.3 Causes of restrictions on state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province 19 - Awareness of all levels, sectors and the whole society about tourism as an important economic sector in the socio-economic development of Luang Pra Bang have not yet profound - The economy of Laos is not developed well, the level of science and technology is still limited - Mechanisms, policies and general laws related to economic development in general and tourism development in particular are delayed and not synchronized - The state management in the field related to many different branches, levels and fields will face many difficulties The capacity of state management on tourism of cadres and civil servants is still limited - There are no preferential policies according to geographical areas and tourism industries - The preferential policies of the State have not been clearly shown - Administrative procedures have many levels, causing troubles for businesses - The progress of implementing projects is still slow, the province does not take the initiative in funding - Modes of operation, inspection and control of tourism activities mainly focus on opening conferences, enacting documents They are periodical and extraordinary; operating activities are not steady, consistency is not high, Chapter ORIENTATION AND SOLUTIONS TO COMPLETE STATE MANAGEMENT OF TOURISM IN PROVINCE LUANG PRA BANG, LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRACY REPUBLIC 4.1 Forecast and direction to complete state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province 4.1.1 Forecast of tourism development in Luang Pra Bang province by 2030 4.1.1.1 The advantages and disadvantages * The advantages: The demand for tourism in the world has grown strongly; the system of policies and laws has been gradually built and improved for developing tourism; the state management in the field of tourism is strengthened; tourism infrastructure is increasingly invested and developed; tourism 20 awareness changes positively; Luang Pra Bang's state management of tourism has had many profound changes * The disadvantages: Natural resources and tourism environment are degraded in some places; infrastructure systems, especially transportation, quality of facilities and human resources, have not met the demand of tourism development; The provincial budget has not yet balanced its revenues and expenditures 4.1.1.2 Viewpoints and directions for tourism development The view focuses on the following contents: Developing cultural tourism, ecological and historical tourism; on the comprehensive basis for international tourism and domestic tourism; ensuring the interdisciplinary, inter-regional and highly socialized synthesis ; preserving and promoting the values of cultural identity of the nation and history; protecting the environment, preserving natural resources The direction of tourism development : continuing to mobilize resources; building tourism environment, natural landscape, tourism business ; increasing investment in a key and synchronous way 4.1.1.3 Forecast of tourism development targets Table 4.1 Forecasting the targets of tourism development in Luang Pra Bang province by 2030 Order Development targets Unit Total number of thousand guests Inside: - International thousand visitors thousand - Domestic visitors Date of staying - International Date visitors Date - Domestic visitors Tourism revenue $ million Tourism GDP value $ million GDP growth rate of % tourism Investment capital Triệu USD for tourism 21 2017 (1) 2018 (1) Forecast for development (1) 2020 2025 2030 1.800 2.350 3.000 4.500 6.000 120 1.680 140 1.873 200 700 1.300 2.800 3.800 4.700 2,5 2,5 51,97 73,66 35 185,7 361,5 656,7 126,3 234,9 420,3 14,7 13,2 12,3 52 188,3 304,3 463,3 Accommodation Tourist labor - Direct labor - Indirect labor in society room People People people 10.000 19.511 10.318 9.193 12.500 22.500 11.800 10.700 15.200 23.700 34.700 59.280 113.76187.380 19.760 62.420 39.520 37.920124.920 75.840 Sources: (2) - Forecast of Tourism Research and Development Institute and the development orientation of Luang Pra Bang on Tourism (1) - Department of Information-Culture and Tourism (2) Department of Planning and investment, Luang Pra Bang Statistical Office 4.1.2 Orientation to improve state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province 4.1.2.1 Building the plan of tourism development in Luang Pra Bang to 2020 and orientation to 2030 - About developing tourism market Expanding the market of tourists both at home and abroad Organizing market research (collecting, processing, analyzing and synthesizing information) to support and improve decision making On the basis of market research results, it is necessary to determine the main target market - About tourism products Luang Pra Bang's most important tourism product is its sightseeing, relaxation and eco-tourism which is a support for other products to grow Therefore, the design and deployment of new products must adhere to the product on the basis of finding reasons and content to support product and improve quality and development Focusing on developing sightseeing and leisure products, with a chain of necessity to connect and serve each other - About travel development Encouraging enterprises to actively cooperate with travel companies and agents in major tourist centers or open branches in these centers to directly exploit guest sources; not only stop at Luang Pra Bang Encouraging travel businesses in Luang Pra Bang to expand this type of tourism, the province needs supportive mechanisms, policies and funding to cooperate with the localities in accordance with the signed content and the support of the province to expand the scope of cooperation to facilitate the travel business enterprises of Luang Pra Bang to open to the outside market 22 4.1.2.2 Completing the system of tourism development policies in Luang Pra Bang province - Preferential policies and attraction of tourism investment The state should have a mechanism and preferential policies for investment industries for tourism investment projects, regardless of the scale in unfavorable areas in the province and apply investment incentives to difficult areas (where there is potential for tourism development) but not in the incentives area Luang Pra Bang’s authority should soon research and develop mechanisms and policies to attract investment in Luang Pra Bang province - About land policies for tourism development The State should have measures to intervene to compensate, and if the investor cannot reach an agreement, the State will recover the land to allocate to investors and organize compensation according to regulations In cases of illegal encroachment, it should only support exploitation and not compensate as some other cases to facilitate tourism projects to be implemented on schedule - About financial, credit and price policies The state should have a policy of exemption of import tax for specialized equipment for investment objects such as hotels, resorts, villas, high-class resorts according to international standards The province needs to set up a tourism development encouragement fund to make it easier for tourism businesses to access capital to invest in equipment, upgrade material and technical facilities, and train administrators and staff; promoting propaganda, advertising products, building brands to create conditions for attracting more and more tourists - Policies to protect natural resources and environment and socialize in tourism The State should have strict management measures, more adequate policy systems for local people to attach their obligations and rights in protecting natural resources and tourism environment 4.1.2.3 Operating, checking and controlling tourism activities in Luang Pra Bang province - About planning implementation Assigning specific tasks to functional branches and localities to implement the planning; annually reviewing and evaluating the 23 implementation of the plan (clarifying the progress of implementing targets, finding out the reasons for achieving and not yet achieved, clarifying responsibilities of all levels and branches in organizing the direction, administration and implementation of planning) - About investment in tourism infrastructure development It is necessary that the State continues to balance the support of investment capital for tourism infrastructure for localities, but it is suitable to study the allocation of capital to meet the tourism development needs of each locality The province needs to balance a certain amount of capital from the provincial budget depending on the investment needs and the capacity of the budget, together with the central budget's supportive capital for tourism infrastructure works It should be done in order of priority (not invest in many items at once if the ability to source capital can not met) to invest in a short time to promote investment efficiency immediately - For boosting the tourism advertisement and promotion In tourism activities, tourism promotion is the key to maintain and enhance the image of Luang Pra Bang tourism in the eyes of friends across the country and abroad, attract many tourists and investors in the tourism sector of the province Therefore, businesses should be encouraged to carry out tourism promotion with state management agencies in the direction: Local government supports the promotion of the general image of local tourism Enterprises actively develop marketing plans, advertise their own products to promote tourism development It is neccessary to further expand the scope and diversify forms to promote tourism to be more effective and deploy socialization in tourism activities to bring the highest efficiency - Checking and controlling tourism activities The inspection and control of tourism activities in the coming time should focus on the following main issues: State management agencies at all levels have to coordinate in developing specific inspection plans Examining the implementation of State and provincial policies and regulations relating to tourism activities; checking the progress of investment projects in the field of tourism; enforcement in the formulation, promulgation and coordination of implementation of strategies, plans and policies for tourism development of the province Checking state management agencies related to tourism activities such as: departments, branches, authorities at district and village levels; business enterprises, 24 organizations and individuals dealing in tourism and tourism services 4.2 The solution for orientation of completing the state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang, Lao PDR 4.2.1.Completing plan and improving the quality of tourism planning The construction of the overall plan for tourism development in the province focuses on two contents: tourism space planning and the development of tourism products Diversifying tourism products, raising the quality and competitiveness of tourist services are implemented gradually A number of unique tourism products with inter-regional and inter-regional roles such as the tourist route "Northern heritage road", "Northern tourism route" need to be researched and developed to increase tourists, promote the attraction of Luang Pra Bang tourism in the region and the whole country The provincial overall plan for tourism development and other specialized plans must be defined as an integral part of the province's socioeconomic development plan Besides, the authority needs to implement appropriate and flexible measures to mobilize capital from organizations and individuals of all economic sectors at home and abroad for investment in tourism development according to direction and objectives 4.2.2 Training and developing high quality human resources to meet the requirements of tourism development 4.2.2.1 Training of cadres and civil servants working in state management on tourism In addition to the State's current policy on training and retraining of staff in particular and human resources in general, Luang Pra Bang’s authority should consider to amend and supplement the training and retraining policies in accordance with the actual situation of the locality but not contrary to the State's policies and laws The training must be associated with the demand for using; a training plan is very close to the demand to arrange reasonable work for staff with good expertise, high education level 4.2.2.2 For tourism business establishments and labor force participating in tourism activities The authority coordinates with enterprises to open the short-term training courses to improve professional capacity for guides and speakers under the Chinese support program Encouraging all tourism businesses in the province to build and develop a system of information exchanging to receive and respond to all comments of consumers about the attitude of tourism labors 25 The authority organizes exchanges, links in training human resource between tourism business establishments and training institutions in Luang Para Bang province, attaching the training of tourism personnel to tourism units according to demand Encouraging enterprises to carry out internal training (Practical training at tourism business enterprises) according to the experience of some cities in Vietnam and Thailand 4.2.3 Boosting tourism promotion, calling for investment and cooperation in tourism development The authority takes advantage of opportunities for international integration, links with other countries to expand international markets, attending fairs, domestic and international tourism promotion programs Determining investment for tourism promotion activities of Luang Pra Bang is considered an important measure to develop tourism It is necessary to check and review all investment projects in the province, on the basis of urging and forcing investors to implement investment projects on schedule according to investment certificates At the same time, domestic investors are encouraged to implement the method of allocating the right of using special land for a period of 30 years and pay a one-time fee of using land to have a source of loan payment or investment in tourist infrastructure 4.2.4 Promoting administrative reform for state management of tourism Promoting administrative reform for state management of tourism, Luang Pra Bang’s authority focuses on the following two basic contents: Firstly, the authority reforms administrative procedures for tourism development Secondly, the authority consolidates the organization of state management apparatus on tourism 4.2.5 Strengthening inspection and examination for tourism activities It is necessary to speed up the inspection and examination of the implementation of the Government's regulations on strengthening the management of order and security, environmental protection at tourist attractions, the implementation of regulations on protecting environment in the field of tourism in tourist sites in the province; improve the quality of appraisal of accommodation establishments; strictly implement the issuse of tourist guide's cards according to law provisions; promote the education of legal awareness for the people, encourage all organizations and 26 individuals to strictly abide by the provisions of law on tourism; organize thoroughly and direct the implementation of legal documents of state agencies at all levels for tourism enterprises; build a healthy business environment, improve the efficiency of inspection in the field of tourism 4.3 Proposing to the Government and ministries To Luang Pra Bang province deserves to be the tourism center of the North, the author has petitioned to the Government and related ministries CONCLUSION Luang Pra Bang is a mountainous province with much potential for tourism development However, the development and exploitation are still not commensurate with the existing potential, low efficiency.The state management of tourism has not promoted its inherent role In that spirit, the thesis has studied and solved the following issues: Chapter 1: An overview of the research on the theoretical and practical basis of state management on tourism to know what works have been researched, what is not available for the thesis to continue research Chapter 2: Developing a theoretical framework for state management on tourism In particular, it has explained the different conceptions of tourism, given the concept of state management on tourism, shown the characteristics, the role of tourism, the contents of state management on tourism and analyzed the factors affecting state management on tourism; studied this state management experience on tourism by some cities in foreign countries to draw lessons for the province of Luang Pra Bang, Lao PDR Chapter 3, Analyzing and assessing the status of state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province in the period of 2012-2018 Chapter 4, Orienting to complete state management on tourism in Luang Pra Bang province in the coming time, focusing on solving basic issues: building plan for Luang Pra Bang’s tourism development to 2020 and orientation to 2030; completing the system of legal policies; operating, inspecting and controlling tourism activities There are solutions to improve state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province: Completing the planning and improving the quality of tourism planning; Training and developing human resources to meet the requirements of tourism development; Strengthening tourism promotion, calling for investment and cooperation in tourism development; Promoting administrative reforms for state management of tourism; Strengthening inspection and examination for tourism activities 27 Proposing to the Government, ministries to complete a number of policies and create mechanisms to help Luang Pra Bang have conditions to develop tourism in the next time 28 ... for the province of Luang Pra Bang, Lao PDR Chapter 3, Analyzing and assessing the status of state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province in the period of 2012-2018 Chapter 4, Orienting... function of state management of tourism in the province, state management of public services in the field of tourism within the scope of management of the department in accordance with the law;... clarifying the theory and practice of state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang province, the thesis proposes orientations and solutions to improve state management of tourism in Luang Pra Bang