Lanith Luang Prabang a New Hospitality Complex & Training Centre

Lanith Luang Prabang (LLP) hosted an open house on 28 February 2013 to introduce its new hospitality complex and training centre to some 150 guests, including Laos ministry officials, government department directors, local business owners, and a large delegation from Luxembourg along with dignitaries from several neighbouring countries.

Luxembourg Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Marc Franck and Ministry of Planning and Investment Deputy Director General Houmphanh Soukprasith cut the ribbon to the Luxembourg government-supported facility, which aims to advance service quality in Laos.

Lanith Chief Technical Advisor, Peter Semone, said, “This open house affords Lanith the opportunity to present Luxembourg’s innovative approach to hospitality training and education. Most important is to handover a fully operational, successful, sustainable social enterprise to Laos.”

Lanith Technical Advisor, Industry Training, Mike Loose, and Manager on Duty/Lanith Core Team Member, Chounlachan “Nickie” Phengdy, guided guests to LLP’s meeting room, Balcony Bar & Restaurant, and four guestrooms, revenue from which will fund the sustainable operation of LLP’s skills training centre and award-winning Passport to Success programme, which is another source for funds.

Lanith provided EUR200,000 for LLP’s construction, while Hong Kong Polytechnic University donated US$50,000 in kitchen equipment. Lanith Core Team Members oversee the operation of the hospitality complex and training centre.

Mr Franck stressed that cooperation is essential for LLP’s expected success, and noted that many in attendance appeared eager to not only support this sustainable enterprise, but actively participate in its operation.

Mr Semone noted that the Ministry of Education and Sports’ (MoES) Ban Khoy location, about 3.5 km from the city’s tourist hub at the Nam Dong Bridge en-route to Kuang Si Waterfalls, is well situated to attract business events, tour busses returning from the falls, overnight guests seeking accommodation in a “real” Luang Prabang neighbourhood, and cyclists looking for refreshments and great river-and-mountain views just a 15-minute pedal from town.

He also outlined LLP’s pre-opening phase. During the low tourist season from March to September, LLP will concentrate on its extended Passport to Success “Go for Gold” skills training programme for local hospitality staff, while also revving up its banquet facilities. LLP’s amply-equipped meeting room can accommodate 16 persons in a U-shaped configuration, 24 in a classroom format, and 36 in a theatre set up. Organizers can choose from a selection of set menus for coffee breaks and meals.

LLP’s four guestrooms are also ready for guests. Minimalistic décor, snug beds, a naturally cool breeze or air-conditioning, and sizeable balconies characterize all rooms, while each presents distinct layouts and views, from the garden pond and soothing sunrises to the scenic Nam Dong River and mountain sunsets.

LLP’s signature venue, the 60-seat Balcony Bar & Restaurant, is set to fully open in October, though the outlet, decked out in local wood furnishings and encircled by a wide terrace, can be reserved now for special events. The menu will feature international and local cuisine backed by a well-stocked bar, and LLP is in the midst of sealing a deal with a celebrity European chef.

Mr Semone then led the party to the adjacent TVET School, where the MoES dedicated five fully outfitted rooms: two for Lanith Diploma theory classes and one each for hands-on housekeeping, food preparation, and food service training.