Regenerative tourism is emerging as a vital approach in Lao PDR – one that prioritises the restoration of ecosystems, the protection of cultural heritage, and the empowerment of local communities. Few people are as deeply engaged in this shift as Acksonsay “Sai” Rattanavong, a freelance tourism consultant with over two decades of experience in sustainable tourism development across the country.
Sai has worked on everything from community-based tourism and creative economy strategies, to environmental initiatives like reducing single-use plastics in the 4,000 Islands and planting native trees along heritage trails.
Her focus is always on building tourism models that are locally grounded and environmentally conscious. “Regenerative tourism challenges us to ask: How can visitors leave a place better than they found it?” she explains.
We spoke with Sai about how regenerative tourism is taking shape in Lao PDR, her ongoing work in southern communities, and what a more thoughtful future for tourism could look like.
You’ve spent over two decades shaping sustainable tourism in Lao PDR. What first drew you to this field, and how has your perspective evolved over time?
“My journey into sustainable tourism began in the early 2000s, during a time when Lao PDR was just opening up to international travelers. I had studied tourism and hospitality abroad, but when I returned home, I knew I didn’t want to work in a hotel. I was more interested in how tourism could support communities and protect our cultural and natural heritage.
I had the opportunity to choose between joining a leading local adventure tour operator or working as a tourism advisor with SNV, the Netherlands Development Organisation. I chose the latter, and that decision shaped the path I’ve followed ever since.
What drew me in then – and still drives me today – is the belief that tourism can be much more than an economic tool. It can be a platform for cultural expression, environmental stewardship, and social empowerment. Over time, I’ve seen how tourism can either reinforce local pride or erode it, depending on how it’s developed. That’s why I’ve focused my work on approaches that are people-centered and place-based.
Today, I advocate for models that empower communities to protect their heritage while also benefiting from it – whether through education, storytelling, or regenerative tourism practices.”
Image courtesy of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR
You’re known for promoting regenerative tourism. What does this mean in the Lao context, and how do you see it transforming local communities and ecosystems?
“In Lao PDR, regenerative tourism goes beyond simply minimizing harm – it’s about actively healing and restoring cultural and ecological systems. It means reconnecting communities with their land, traditions, and sense of identity.
Regenerative tourism challenges us to ask: How can visitors leave a place better than they found it?
Practically, this includes reducing waste, revitalizing traditional crafts, and integrating local knowledge into tourism experiences. In places like the 4,000 Islands or Vat Phou, tourism should not only preserve but also enhance the health of ecosystems and the resilience of local cultures.
Importantly, regeneration also applies to the land itself. In many parts of Lao PDR, especially in the south, soil degradation during the long dry season has become a major issue. As part of the Reawakening the Ancient Road project, we are incorporating integrated farming and agroforestry techniques – planting native tree species along rice fields and trail edges. These trees serve both as markers for heritage trail and buffer zones, and as long-term solutions for soil protection and future community use.
This type of tourism development not only protects landscapes but also provides communities with lasting ecological and economic benefits. It’s about designing tourism that grows back stronger roots – literally and figuratively.”
From your experience, what are some of the most effective ways to balance economic development with heritage preservation and environmental sustainability in tourism?
“It begins with local ownership and early engagement. When communities understand the heritage around them – and see themselves as its stewards – they’re much more likely to protect it.
But that connection isn’t automatic. People need space to ask: What is this heritage? Why does it matter? What’s in it for us? That’s why education and open communication are essential starting points. Once people feel informed and included, it becomes easier to align tourism with community aspirations and conservation goals.
One approach I’m currently supporting is the planned Ancient Road project in Champasak. While still in its early stages, the aim is to co-develop a cultural trail that respects spiritual values, promotes native tree planting, and supports local livelihoods through interpretation and light infrastructure. If done right, it could serve as a model for balancing preservation and development.
When communities take pride in their heritage, it not only strengthens identity – it also attracts better-quality investment: partners who value long-term impact over short-term gain. Tourism must remain flexible and responsive to the living nature of heritage and ecosystems, not the other way around.”
Image courtesy of Visions of Domino (CC-BY-2.0)
Can you tell us more about your work in the 4,000 Islands region, particularly the efforts to reduce single-use plastics? What impact has this had on local communities and travelers?
“In the 4,000 Islands, we’re launching a campaign to reduce single-use plastics on Don Det and Don Khone – two of the most visited islands in southern Lao PDR. While the project is still in its early phase, with baseline surveys now underway, it has already revealed a clear truth: most of the waste here is imported through tourism. Local communities, who generate relatively little plastic themselves, are left to manage the burden.
We believe they shouldn’t have to shoulder that alone. Instead, the responsibility must be shared, especially by the businesses that benefit from tourism. The goal is to support them in operating in more environmentally responsible ways, while building local capacity to advocate for long-term solutions.
One of our key proposals is to establish a tourism fee that would contribute to an environmental fund for the 4,000 Islands as a whole. In the meantime, we’re working on educational materials for local schools and villages, raising awareness of the health risks linked to plastic pollution – from microplastics in food and water to the toxic air from burning waste.
Inspired by successful models like Koh Trong in Cambodia, we aim to introduce refill stations and promote alternatives. Businesses are already showing willingness to act – they just need the right support system. If we get this right, the campaign can serve as a model for how tourism and conservation can work hand in hand, creating cleaner, healthier islands for everyone.”
You’ve worked extensively on community-based tourism and the circular economy. What are some key lessons or success stories you’ve seen from these approaches in Lao PDR?
“One key lesson is that community-based tourism works best when it builds on what’s already there – local knowledge, cultural traditions, and existing community strengths.
In Champasak, for example, communities near sites like Vat Phou and That Sampang have strong spiritual and historical ties to the land. Our work there has focused on helping them document oral histories, design small tourism products, and host visitors in ways that honor these connections. It’s less about importing new models and more about renewing pride in what’s local and meaningful.
While I often promote circular economy principles – such as sourcing local materials, reducing waste, or encouraging natural packaging – I haven’t yet led a project focused entirely on circular economy implementation. However, current efforts in Huay Hae village are beginning to explore this space.
Through a small grant from the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, we’re supporting rural women in building agri-value chains and small tourism-linked businesses. The goal is to help them recognize their potential as entrepreneurs, tap into local resources, and grow in ways that are environmentally conscious and culturally grounded. It’s a small step, but one that can plant seeds for more regenerative models in the future.”
What do you think are Lao PDR’s most unique strengths as a tourism destination – especially in terms of sustainability and cultural richness?
“Lao PDR offers something increasingly rare: a strong sense of authenticity and connection to tradition. Our landscapes are not only scenic, but spiritually alive. From rivers and mountains to festivals and food, everything is deeply rooted in place. The pace of life is slower, allowing for reflection and connection – something many travelers are now seeking.
We also have incredible intangible heritage: crafts, music, oral storytelling, and community rituals that are still actively practiced. If nurtured carefully, these elements make Lao PDR not just a destination, but a transformative experience.
While we may not have the best roads or fast infrastructure, that in itself is an opportunity. Lao PDR is ideal for promoting slow travel – a more mindful way of exploring that emphasizes immersion, learning, and local connection.
Our four UNESCO World Heritage properties, including the newly designated Hin Nam No National Park, which is also Asia’s first transboundary World Heritage site with Viet Nam, show that our natural and cultural heritage is globally significant. If nurtured with care, these elements can make Lao PDR not just a destination, but a truly transformative experience for visitors and hosts alike.”
As Lao PDR looks toward the future, what kind of tourism do you hope to see in 10 years, and what will it take to get there?
“I hope to see a tourism model in Lao PDR that is proudly local, low-carbon, and deeply rooted in our cultural and ecological heritage. This means more locally owned enterprises, stronger protection of sacred sites and natural landscapes, and smarter policies that supports sustainable development.
It also requires long-term investment in education – not just for communities, but also for decision-makers – so that tourism planning is shaped by those who truly understand the values, rhythms, and needs of each place.
Beyond national goals, I want to see Lao PDR recognized as a uniquely Lao destination, but also as part of a larger Mekong story. We share so much with our neighbors – natural ecosystems, cultural traditions, and even ancient roads.
I hope that in the next decade, Mekong countries will work more closely together to promote our shared heritage, without letting political divisions obscure what connects us. If we build on the values we already hold as Lao people – respect for nature, community, and spiritual continuity – then our tourism future can be not only sustainable, but truly meaningful for everyone involved.”
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As Lao PDR continues to explore tourism as a force for regeneration, voices like Sai’s remind us that true progress grows from the ground up — with deep roots, local wisdom, and shared stewardship.
