The initiative was highlighted at a conference on June 20 at the Gia Lai Provincial Convention Center in Quy Nhon Ward, where provincial officials, tourism authorities, travel companies, cruise operators and tourism associations gathered to discuss strategies for expanding cruise tourism products and regional connectivity.
Representing the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Deputy Director General Hà Văn Siêu attended the conference alongside representatives from several departments of the authority. Gia Lai was represented by Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch, leaders of provincial agencies and tourism officials from multiple provinces and cities.
In opening remarks, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch said Gia Lai’s recent administrative merger had created a unique tourism advantage by combining approximately 134 kilometers of coastline, beaches, lagoons and marine ecosystems with the distinctive cultural heritage of the Central Highlands.
She said the province aims to develop tourism under the theme “One Journey – Two Spaces of Experience: Blue Sea and Great Forest,” leveraging both coastal and highland attractions.
Cruise tourism has been identified as a strategic segment within Gia Lai’s tourism development plans. Provincial leaders said the sector can generate tourism revenue while also promoting the destination internationally, encouraging trade and investment, and supporting cultural exchange.
“To realize this goal, Gia Lai will continue to invest in upgrading seaport infrastructure and improving the quality of services for international visitors; develop specialized products for cruise tourists; connect tour routes from Quy Nhơn Port to cultural, historical, ecological sites, and the Central Highlands’ cultural space; while also focusing on human resource development and building a safe, friendly tourism environment,” Lịch said.
Although still at an early stage of development, Gia Lai’s cruise tourism sector has recorded encouraging progress. Since the beginning of 2026, the province has welcomed the international cruise ships Le Jacques Cartier and Noble Caledonia – Island Sky at Quy Nhon Port, a development officials said demonstrates growing international interest in the destination.
Provincial authorities also view National Tourism Year 2026, hosted by Gia Lai, as an important opportunity to strengthen destination promotion and gradually position Quy Nhon Port as an attractive stop on Asia-Pacific cruise routes.
The conference featured discussions on cruise tourism connectivity, destination development and industry best practices. Representatives from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and localities with experience in cruise tourism, including Đà Nẵng and Hải Phòng, shared approaches to attracting cruise operators, promoting destinations and developing tourism products.
Industry representatives, including Saigontourist Group, Viet Excursions and other cruise tourism businesses, proposed measures to help Gia Lai align tourism products with market demand, strengthen competitiveness and increase its visibility on international cruise itineraries.
Delegates agreed that sustainable cruise tourism development requires more than attracting ships to local ports. Discussions emphasized the need for an integrated ecosystem encompassing infrastructure, tourism services, products, human resources and effective cooperation between local authorities and businesses to deliver high-quality visitor experiences.
Addressing the conference, Hà Văn Siêu outlined national priorities for cruise tourism development and offered recommendations on planning, infrastructure investment, product diversification, policy development, workforce training and regional cooperation.
He said these measures would help Gia Lai integrate more effectively into Vietnam’s and the wider region’s cruise tourism network while improving its ability to attract international cruise operators.
On the sidelines of the event, tourism authorities from Gia Lai, Hà Nội, Ho Chi Minh City, Đà Nẵng, Hải Phòng, Huế and Quảng Ninh signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in developing cruise tourism products. The agreement focuses on creating inter-regional tourism programs for cruise passengers, connecting cruise routes and leveraging the comparative strengths of participating destinations.
The Gia Lai Tourism Association also signed a cooperation agreement with Saigontourist Group to expand links with businesses operating in the cruise tourism sector and support efforts to position Gia Lai as a prominent cruise destination in Vietnam and the broader region.
