The recognition places Laos alongside countries such as Egypt, Jamaica, Portugal, Mexico, Belize and Panama.
TravelPulse said the selection was based on extensive surveys carried out by professional travel consultants and industry specialists with long-standing experience in assessing service quality and identifying emerging global tourism trends. The decision did not rely on social media popularity or influencer-driven opinions.
The designation is seen as a major endorsement of Laos’s potential as an attractive and promising destination. It is also expected to provide momentum for sustainable tourism development and generate economic benefits for communities across the country.
Duncan Greenfield-Turk, Founder of Global Travel Moments, described Laos as one of Southeast Asia’s “best-kept secrets,” saying 2026 would mark the year the country begins drawing sophisticated travellers due to stronger regional connectivity and a luxury hotel sector that maintains a sense of tranquility.
Travel experts attribute Laos’s appeal to its unspoiled natural landscapes, including the Mekong River and surrounding mountain ranges, along with its diverse cultural heritage expressed through French colonial architecture and numerous Buddhist temples.
They note that the country offers authentic, crowd-free experiences, supported by improving infrastructure, enhanced regional links and international-standard accommodation that preserves local identity.
