*This is your first visit to Gia Lai. What are your impressions of the National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026?
- This is my first visit to Gia Lai, and my meetings with provincial leaders, including Party Secretary Thai Dai Ngoc and Chairman Pham Anh Tuan, left a strong impression.
I was particularly struck by the province’s natural beauty, including its beaches and landscapes, as well as the Cham towers. The organization of the National Tourism Year has been thorough and well-prepared.
The warm reception at the airport by Vice Chairman Nguyen Tu Cong Hoang reflected the strong commitment of the provincial leadership to ensuring the success of this event.
* After your visit, what impressed you most about Gia Lai’s land and people?
- Gia Lai offers diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to highlands, alongside unique cultural heritage such as Cham towers.
What stood out most, however, was the friendliness and hospitality of the people. This is a key factor in tourism development.
From local officials to residents, everyone demonstrated warmth and attentiveness. I also observed a dynamic and decisive working style among provincial leaders, which gives me confidence in the province’s future development.
* In your opinion, what should Gia Lai do to attract Chinese tourists?
- Gia Lai has strong potential, especially as one of Vietnam’s largest provinces with diverse resources.
Tourism development depends on natural assets and human values—Gia Lai has both. The key is to strengthen promotion efforts and highlight unique local characteristics to raise awareness among Chinese visitors.
In addition to tourism, the province could also attract Chinese investment in sectors such as green energy, wind power, and solar power.
* Based on China’s experience, what lessons could Gia Lai apply?
- China’s tourism sector focuses on developing distinctive products that fully leverage local resources.
Gia Lai could adopt a similar approach, emphasizing unique features while strengthening tour connections and travel routes to expand its market reach.
* How do you assess the prospects for tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China?
- Tourism cooperation between the two countries is growing rapidly and is a key component of bilateral relations.
China is currently the largest source of tourists to Vietnam. In 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 21 million international visitors, including 5.3 million from China.
Tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also promotes people-to-people exchanges and strengthens long-term friendship.
* Which cultural factors can serve as bridges for tourism cooperation?
- Vietnam and China share many cultural similarities as part of the East Asian cultural sphere, including traditions and customs.
These commonalities make it easier for people from both countries to connect. At the same time, differences between the two cultures add appeal and complement each other, supporting sustainable tourism cooperation.
* Do you plan to return to Gia Lai or promote it to international partners?
- Gia Lai has left a very positive impression on me, and I will certainly return.
Relations between China and Vietnam are entering what we describe as a “second golden era”, building on historic ties established by past leaders and further developed by current leadership.
In 2025, bilateral trade reached nearly 300 billion USD, with China also being a major investor in Vietnam.
Given its potential, Gia Lai is well-positioned to become an attractive destination and contribute to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
