The programme will feature nearly 240 cultural, tourism and sports events at national and international levels, contributing to Vietnam’s broader target of welcoming 25 million international visitors in 2026.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in Quy Nhon in late March 2026, marking the start of a year-long series of activities designed to showcase the country’s tourism potential.
Gia Lai authorities have called on airlines to increase flight frequencies to Phu Cat and Pleiku airports to accommodate rising demand. The province is promoting signature tourism products such as the “Blue Sea – Windy Highlands” route, linking the coastal destination of Quy Nhon with key highland attractions including Pleiku, Bien Ho and Chu Dang Ya.
Tourism offerings will also highlight eco-tourism and cultural experiences. Visitors will be able to explore Kon Ha Nung, Kon Ka Kinh and Kbang through trekking tours, discover primary forests, and engage in community-based tourism with the Bahnar and Jrai ethnic groups. Historical sites tied to the Tay Son movement and the Thuong Dao region will further enrich the visitor experience.
The initiative builds on strong momentum in Vietnam’s tourism sector, which surpassed 20 million international arrivals by the end of 2025 for the first time in its 65-year history. Over the past decade, international visitor numbers have doubled from 10 million to 20 million, reflecting growing global confidence in Vietnam as a safe and culturally rich destination.
This growth has been driven by policy reforms and strategic investments, including more open visa policies, expanded air connectivity, improved infrastructure, and diversified tourism products rooted in cultural and heritage values.
Vietnam’s tourism model is also shifting from mass tourism to a more targeted approach, focusing on higher-spending visitors who stay longer and prioritise cultural and sustainable experiences.
For Gia Lai, National Tourism Year 2026 is seen not as a one-off event but as a catalyst for long-term development. The province aims to upgrade infrastructure, expand markets, strengthen regional and international linkages, and develop integrated coastal–highland tourism.
Authorities are also seeking investment in large-scale, high-quality projects, alongside efforts to improve workforce skills and destination management, with the goal of establishing tourism as a key economic driver and a platform to promote Vietnam’s cultural identity globally.
