Tourists’ Attitudes towards Tourism Development and Heritage Preservation in the World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Thongmala Phosikham, Anoulom Vilayphone, Sengdeuane Wayakone, Somvang Phimmavong

Abstract
The main purpose of this paper is to assess the level of international tourists’ attitudes towards heritage preservation and their satisfaction with tourism activities, facilities and services in the Town of Luang Prabang, Northern Laos. The data collection was undertaken by using a self-administered questionnaire survey, with a total of 400 respondents. The findings showed that the majority of international tourists had a positive attitude towards tourism development in Luang Prabang. Even though the international tourists stated that the heritage in this town is well preserved, their perception on the preservation of “traditional music, classical dance and puppetry” was still on “neutral” level. The tourists were satisfied with activities, facilities and services which are provided nowadays in Luang Prabang, but their satisfaction did not reach “very satisfied” level. The research outcomes should help decision makers to formulate better future strategies for sustainable development of tourism in Luang Prabang.

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