Below are perspectives from officials, experts and businesses on expectations for the sector’s next phase.
* Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich:
The National Tourism Year - Gia Lai 2026 carries significance beyond tourism, contributing to broader socio-economic development. It offers a platform to promote the province’s image, people and cultural identity to both domestic and international audiences, thereby strengthening the brand of Gia Lai tourism.
The event is expected to accelerate the professional and sustainable development of tourism, while supporting related sectors such as services, trade and transport. It will also help generate jobs, raise incomes and attract investment into infrastructure and tourism facilities.
Authorities expect clear breakthroughs, including higher visitor numbers and revenue, more competitive tourism products, improved human resources and a stronger role for tourism in the local economy.
*Dr. Vu Dinh Chien, Head of Tourism Faculty, Quy Nhon College of Engineering and Technology:
To build a tourism brand linked to the “great forest - blue sea” concept, the workforce must be capable of delivering compelling and professional destination narratives.
Training should focus on versatile personnel with inter-regional knowledge, able to design seamless travel experiences. Digital skills, including marketing and artificial intelligence applications, are increasingly essential.
Service quality must align with national and international standards, with stronger foreign language and intercultural communication skills. Developing local human resources, particularly among ethnic minorities and coastal communities, will help create distinctive tourism products rooted in identity.
* Researcher Nguyen Thanh Quang:
Gia Lai holds a significant advantage in its rich cultural and historical heritage, which forms a foundation for cultural tourism. However, the challenge lies in effectively leveraging these resources.
While preservation efforts have been positive, many heritage values remain underutilised, with investment and promotion lacking depth and coherence. The storytelling aspect, connecting cultural layers into engaging narratives, remains limited.
Greater investment and more effective promotion are needed to unlock this “treasure trove” and attract visitors seeking authentic experiences.
* Mr. Nguyen Duc Toan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quy Nhon Ward:
The event is expected to bring a surge in visitors to Quy Nhon ward, helping promote its image as a dynamic and welcoming coastal destination.
It will also support the professionalisation of services and improve tourism standards.
The Quy Nhon Pleiku tourism linkage is emerging as a key development direction, aligning with inter-regional tourism trends. Authorities plan to diversify tourism products, strengthen connections and enhance cultural exchanges between coastal and highland areas.
Efforts will also focus on attracting investment, improving human resources and advancing digital transformation to ensure sustainable growth.
* Mr. Huynh Vu Tri, Owner of Song Suoi Homestay (Quy Nhon Ward):
The homestay mainly serves international visitors, particularly from Europe and the Americas, who tend to stay longer and seek authentic cultural experiences.
Beyond accommodation, it offers activities such as visits to historical sites, craft villages and fishing communities, as well as local cuisine experiences, factors that leave strong impressions on foreign guests.
However, a key limitation is the lack of nighttime tourism products and spending opportunities. Increased investment in nightlife and large-scale cultural performances could help extend visitor stays and boost spending, especially as regional linkages strengthen under the 2026 tourism year.