At a recent seminar attended by provincial leaders, aviation authorities, tourism associations, businesses and investors, officials outlined plans to capitalize on the province’s natural assets, including its rare combination of marine and forest ecosystems, alongside its diverse cultural heritage.
Pham Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, said the province is positioning itself for a post-pandemic recovery, emphasizing innovation in tourism products and stronger collaboration with investors and enterprises to unlock its full potential.
The seminar "Gia Lai 2026: Activating the sea - highland axis" was jointly organized by the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, the Vietnam Tourism Association, FLC Group, and VTV8. The event featured three discussion sessions focusing on the pillars of Gia Lai's tourism development for the 2026-2035 period, covering topics such as: Aviation as a catalyst for the green economy; Preparing the "nest" for "eagles", real estate infrastructure unlocking potential in a new growth cycle; and "One flight, two destinations", connecting the paradise of coastal tourism with the mystical highlands to create lasting value.
Central to the strategy is improved infrastructure, particularly air connectivity. Gia Lai is one of the few provinces with access to two airports, Phu Cat and Pleiku, with Phu Cat expected to handle up to 5 million passengers annually by 2030 and 7 million by 2050, with a long-term goal of becoming an international hub.
Experts and industry representatives highlighted the importance of synchronizing infrastructure, tourism products and services, while enhancing regional linkages to attract international visitors. Huong Tran Kieu Dung of FLC Group stressed the need to expand flight routes and build a comprehensive tourism ecosystem.
Participants also underscored the growing global trend toward multi-experience travel, combining beach resorts, cultural exploration, nature-based tourism and agriculture. The concept of “one flight, two destinations” was identified as a promising model for Gia Lai, enabling visitors to experience both coastal and highland attractions within a single journey.
Nguyen Trung Khanh, head of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, said Gia Lai has the potential to become a diverse destination, with the National Tourism Year theme “Mountains embraces the blue sea” reflecting its unique positioning.
Green tourism was identified as a long-term priority, aligning with increasing demand for environmentally responsible travel. Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, called for the development of clear sustainability criteria and policies to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices.
He added that building a strong green tourism brand, alongside promoting local products and enhancing destination marketing, would be key to attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Closing the seminar, Vice Chairman Nguyen Huu Que outlined a broader vision for a coordinated tourism ecosystem. Under this plan, Quy Nhon would serve as a gateway for international visitors with high-quality services, while Pleiku and the surrounding highlands would offer culturally immersive and nature-based experiences.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to creating favorable conditions for investors and businesses, aiming to establish Gia Lai as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination in the region.
