Lao authorities say they expect an increase of 31% in the number of foreign tourists to visit the country in the fiscal year 2004-2005, with the planned expansion of visa exemption to cover citizens of other ASEAN member-nations.
Tourism officials also say they plan to propose visa exemption for tourists from Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Europe because visitors from those countries spend more money in Laos and those from the region.
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