Luang Prabang Earns Historic Green Destinations Silver Award for 2025–2027

Historic Recognition for Sustainable Tourism

Luang Prabang City in the Lao People's Democratic Republic has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable tourism, receiving the Green Destinations Silver Award for 2025–2027. This accolade makes Luang Prabang the first city in Laos, and among the grouping of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV), to earn this distinction. The award was formally presented during the Sustainable Destinations Forum 2025, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from October 28-29. Dr. Soudaphone Khomthavong, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, accepted the award on behalf of the city.

Understanding the Green Destinations Accreditation

The Green Destinations Award is granted by the Green Destinations organization, a leading global body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This organization recognizes destinations and tourism businesses committed to responsible and sustainable practices. Its comprehensive certification system features five levels:

• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum
• Full Green Destination certification

The awards indicate compliance levels with the Green Destinations Standard V2, which is recognized by the GSTC.

Rigorous Evaluation and Key Strengths

To qualify for the Silver Award, Luang Prabang underwent a rigorous evaluation process. This involved submitting data for more than 100 sub-indicators, which were meticulously reviewed by the Green Destinations audit team during site visits and assessments. The city was particularly commended for its:

• Clean environment
• Effective waste management
• Community-based tourism programs that preserve culture
• Active involvement of local residents in tourism initiatives

This recognition builds upon Luang Prabang's previous achievement of being listed in the Top 100 Green Destinations Stories, demonstrating continuous progress towards international standards.

Future Aspirations for Sustainable Development

With the Silver certification secured, Luang Prabang has set its sights on achieving the Gold Level in 2026. The city plans to further enhance its sustainability standards by improving specific criteria and indicators. This ongoing commitment aims to position Luang Prabang as a global model for sustainable tourism, ensuring the preservation of its World Heritage values while promoting eco-friendly tourism that benefits local livelihoods. The award not only brings pride to Luang Prabang but also highlights Laos's capability to stand among the world's leading sustainable destinations.