Lao PDR is known as an ecotourism destination – more than half of its tourism earnings are derived from ecotourism. The Government has made tourism development initiatives, with the focus on ecotourism, one of 11 priority sectors to help improve standards of living. The country has two cultural world heritage sites endorsed by the UNESCO, 15 national cultural and natural heritage sites and a network of 20 national protected areas. Additionally, the country is positioning itself to be a land link and crossroad of commerce, economic co-operation and tourism in the sub-region.