The initiative was discussed during a working session on June 12 between a Gia Lai provincial delegation led by Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Pham Anh Tuan and HanaTour executives headed by Vice President Chang Ho Ryu.
Speaking at the meeting, Pham Anh Tuan thanked HanaTour for hosting the delegation and highlighted Gia Lai’s tourism advantages, including its rich history, distinctive culture and diverse natural landscapes. He said the province has strong potential for beach tourism, eco-tourism, cultural and historical tourism, leisure travel, experiential tourism and golf tourism.
The chairman also emphasized Gia Lai’s transportation network, which includes two airports, seaports, border gates and an expressway system linking the region with domestic and international destinations. He said the province offers quality tourism infrastructure, accommodation and services at competitive costs, making it attractive to overseas visitors.
Pham Anh Tuan noted that several South Korean companies have already invested in tourism projects in Gia Lai. Among them, Blooming Sky Co., Ltd. is developing a cultural, sports, entertainment, commercial, service and tourism complex with registered investment capital of more than USD 99 million, with completion expected in early 2027.
Looking ahead, the chairman said Gia Lai will host the National Tourism Year 2026 under the theme “Mountains embrace the blue sea” featuring events throughout the year and targeting 13 million visitors.
Despite these ambitions, international visitor numbers remain relatively modest. Pham Anh Tuan said the province hopes HanaTour will work with Vietnamese tourism businesses to develop and operate travel routes bringing South Korean visitors to Gia Lai, particularly through charter flight services. He added that provincial authorities are committed to supporting travel companies involved in the initiative.
The chairman also invited HanaTour’s senior leadership to visit Gia Lai during the launch of the first charter flight from South Korea to the province, which is scheduled for September.
For his part, HanaTour Vice President Chang Ho Ryu welcomed the delegation and praised the province’s efforts, particularly those of Chairman Pham Anh Tuan, in attracting investment across multiple sectors, including tourism.
Chang Ho Ryu said he believes Gia Lai’s supportive policies, tourism potential and infrastructure position it to become an attractive destination for South Korean travellers.
He added that HanaTour will cooperate with Vietnamese and Gia Lai-based travel companies to develop tour packages and travel routes between South Korea and Quy Nhon.
The company will also explore the possibility of operating two-way charter flights between South Korea and Quy Nhon once the runway upgrade at Phu Cat Airport is completed and capable of handling charter services.
During the meeting, HanaTour representatives and the Gia Lai delegation also discussed potential cooperation mechanisms and plans for operating charter flights aimed at increasing tourist flows from South Korea to Quy Nhon.