Luang Prabang unveils revitalised Hospitality Training Centre to enhance skills and career prospects

A new chapter begins for tourism and hospitality vocational training in northern Lao PDR with the launch of the Luang Prabang Hospitality Training Centre, a facility renovated with the support of the Skills for tourism, agriculture, and forestry (STAF) programme and dedicated to providing hands-on, high-quality skills development for one of the key sectors driving the country's socio-economic development.

Formerly known as the Lanith Luang Prabang Training Centre, the revitalised facility – part of the Luang Prabang Technical Vocational College – has been renovated, refurbished and equipped with support from the STAF programme, which is co-financed by the governments of Lao PDR, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. The reopening marks an important milestone in the collective effort to strengthen the quality, relevance and visibility of skills development in Lao PDR.

Operated by teachers and students, the training centre will provide a range of services, including upskilling for employees of tourism and hospitality businesses in Luang Prabang and beyond, as well as professional meeting and event packages. Under the guidance of their teachers, students will engage in all aspects of hospitality operations, gaining real-world experience in food production, food and beverage service, and event management, while generating income that supports the centre’s long-term operations and maintenance. The approach builds on the successful model of The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant in Vang Vieng, also supported by the STAF programme.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Samlane PHANKHAVONG, vice minister of Education and Sports, reaffirmed the Government’s vision for skills development:

H.E. Mark GALLAGHER, ambassador of the European Union to the Lao PDR, then delivered a speech on behalf of Team Europe and Switzerland, stating that:

Mr Thomas LAMMAR, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the Lao PDR, highlighted Luxembourg’s long-standing partnership in the sector:

Representing the Luang Prabang provincial government, Vice Governor Dr Bounleau SINSAYVOLAVONG then underlined the local impact of this initiative:

The five-year (2023 – 2027) STAF programme aims to improve employment and income generation opportunities for graduates of skills development courses and workers in the tourism/hospitality and agriculture/forestry sectors. It supports the enhancement of training quality, better alignment with labour market needs, and greater access to skills development for marginalised groups, including women, ethnic minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The STAF programme is cofinanced by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.