A visitor from the Republic of Haiti, Mr. Darlire Dorval, said he was impressed by the region’s characteristic coffee aroma in Hanoi’s cold weather. After receiving guidance from booth staff, he bought additional herbal tea products for personal use and as gifts. “In this cold weather, having a hot cup of coffee or tea is simply unbeatable”, he said.
Local resident Mr. Nghiêm Xuân Hán, from Tay Ho Ward, said he and his wife visited the Gia Lai booth because of his previous work experience in the province. “I really enjoyed the pepper and cashew nuts grown in the Central Highlands, so my family came here to buy these products”, he noted.
This year, Gia Lai is showcasing hundreds of specialty goods produced by 300 businesses. Organisers say each item represents a sustainable value chain, carrying the story of the province’s red basalt soil and expansive forests to both domestic and international visitors.
Đinh Lê Tuấn Anh, Director of Huong Que B'Re Co., Ltd. in An Toan Commune, said the company brought its most notable OCOP products, coffee, cinnamon incense and honey, from the mountainous An Lão area. “The fair is not just a shopping venue; it helps farmers and small enterprises like ours introduce products, access markets and increase product value”, he said.
Nguyễn Thị Bích Thu, Director of the Center for Industrial Promotion and Trade Promotion under the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said the products highlight Gia Lai’s clean agricultural practices. “Each product is also an invitation for visitors to experience Gia Lai firsthand, especially during the National Tourism Year 2026”, she noted.
Cultural performances featuring ethnic musical instruments of the Central Highlands and traditional martial arts from Gia Lai Province added to the fair's appeal.
According to Đỗ Thị Diệu Hạnh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 2026 marks the first year of the province’s new term implementing key directives of the Provincial Party Congress.
Under the Tourism Development Project for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2045, tourism is identified as one of five economic pillars. Gia Lai targets 18.5 million visitors annually by 2030, including more than 1 million international arrivals.
Officials say participation in the Spring Fair will help broaden Gia Lai’s visibility nationwide and internationally, drawing more visitors to experience upcoming events and supporting stronger, more comprehensive tourism growth.
