VIENTIANE, March 1 (Xinhua) — Laos plans to participate in major tourism exhibitions in Europe, Asia and ASEAN in an effort to attract 5 million tourists during Visit Laos Year 2018.

According to a report presented at a tourism sector meeting in Lao capital Vientiane recently, Laos aims to generate about 900 million U.S. dollars in revenue in 2018, local daily Vientiane Times reported Thursday.

Official in charge of tourism promotion in the Tourism Promotion Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lithisack Voranak, said Wednesday that officials are making preparations for the exhibitions in ASEAN countries, China, France, Germany, Japan and Britain.

Lithisack said those countries are home to some of the world's most widely travelled people, who enjoy travelling and are big spenders, said the report.

The department is also working with Lao embassies to distribute brochures highlighting the nation's many charms in the hope of attracting additional tourists.

The Lao government has projected some 5 million foreign visitors in 2018, about 5.7 million in 2019, around 6 million in 2020, and 8.1 million in 2025.

Some 70 percent of tourists come from within the region, especially Thailand.

It is expected in Laos that the growth in tourist numbers and the economic benefits will help drive investment expansion and fuel further accommodation construction.