International arrivals reached 15,500, up 65% from the same holiday period in 2025. The rise in overseas travelers extended into the first two months of 2026, when Gia Lai recorded more than 42,000 foreign visitors, an increase of 78% year-on-year. Total visitor numbers for the two-month period exceeded 2 million, representing 9% annual growth.
Provincial authorities attributed the strong performance to expanded tourism promotion, improved marketing, sustained air connectivity, the resumption of international cruise calls, and enhancements to local tourism products. Officials said the results signal a clear rebound in international travel from key markets including South Korea, China, the United States, France, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Festivals, heritage attractions, and cultural sites, such as Biển Hồ and Pleiku Museum, saw higher footfall during the holiday period. Visitor numbers to major tourist locations and event spaces reached an estimated 731,000, up 14.2% from last year, driven by New Year’s Eve art programs, spring festivals, and experiential activities.
Overnight stays rose sharply, with accommodation facilities reporting 117,000 guests—an increase of 25.5% year-on-year. Tourism services remained stable throughout the holiday, with businesses maintaining regulated pricing and service quality to meet demand from both local residents and visitors.
Officials said the early-year momentum provides a strong foundation for Gia Lai to continue expanding its international tourism sector in the months ahead.
