Gia Lai welcomes first air passengers of 2026 as tourism push accelerates

Vietnam’s tourism sector is poised for another major push in 2026 after a record-breaking performance in 2025, marked by strong visitor growth, rising revenues and international recognition, while warning signs emerge over sustainability and capacity.

Deep within the buffer zone of the Kon Hà Nừng World Biosphere Reserve, Hà Đông (now Đak Sơ Mei commune, Gia Lai province) remains pristine, home to Bahnar villages that exist peacefully amid the mountains and forests.

The Gia Lai Tourism Association on December 23 held its first Congress for the 2025–2030 term in Quy Nhon Ward, setting priorities for strengthening tourism development as the province prepares to host Vietnam National Tourism Year 2026.

The central province of Gia Lai will host a number of events and festivals next year for the 2026 National Tourism Year, according to its People’s Committee.

The Mang Den Culture and Tourism Week and Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 will take place from January 1 to 4, 2026, featuring a series of vibrant cultural, sports, culinary, and eco-tourism activities. This event is set to be a highlight, attracting visitors at the start of the New Year.

Phu Quoc has emerged as the most-searched domestic destination for Vietnamese travelers planning trips for the 2026 New Year holiday, according to new data from Booking.com.

Vietnam’s passport has risen two places to rank 90th globally, according to the Henley Passport Index 2025, updated in December, reflecting a modest improvement in international mobility for Vietnamese citizens.

Vietnam is expected to welcome its 20 millionth international tourist of the year on December 15, marking the first time the country has reached the milestone, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Young Vietnamese travel creators are using social media to showcase local culture and landscapes, spreading positive images of their communities through simple, authentic photos and videos that resonate with wide audiences.

Gia Lai Province on December 4 convened an in-person and online meeting to evaluate its proposed nighttime economy development plan, aiming to expand tourism offerings and stimulate local spending.

Vietnam has expanded the list of international entry and exit points accepting electronic visas, adding 41 border gates under a new government resolution.

Vietnam secured multiple global titles at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025, held on 6 December in Bahrain, strengthening its position as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations.

The founder of ThirdHome, the globally renowned vacation exchange club for luxury villa owners, has just arrived in Vietnam with the ambition of turning the S-shaped country into a new focal point for the high-end resort tourism market in Southeast Asia.

Gia Lai Province convened an online meeting on November 26 to review preparations for hosting the “National Tourism Year - Gia Lai 2026” and assess plans for tourism recovery following recent natural disasters.

Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Japan hit a record in October 2025, with more than 53,000 visitors, up 4.4% from the same month last year, according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

According to Travel+Leisure, Vietnam offers a “complete” experience for solo travelers, ranging from breathtaking natural wonders to vibrant local culture.

With prominent destinations in Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Lam Dong, Vietnam's tourism sector will have the opportunity to widely promote itself to audiences in India, China, and South Korea.

For decades, small family-run food stalls have remained a defining feature of Pleiku, the highland city in Gia Lai Province. Amid rapid urban development, these modest eateries continue to preserve traditional flavors, memories, and a sense of community that spans generations.

Once focused solely on agriculture, Gia Lai’s lush organic coffee farms and thriving orchards are now becoming sought-after destinations for experiential tourism. Visitors can pick fresh fruit, enjoy local produce, and immerse themselves in the tranquil rhythms of rural life.

The People's Committee of Gia Lai Province has announced that the main activities of the wild sunflower - Chu Dang Ya volcano festival will be merged with Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Day celebration, in an effort to redirect resources toward recovery from the severe impacts of Storm No. 13.

Home to numerous civilizations that date back thousands of years, Asia is a continent rich with fascinating historical narratives, from the rise of powerful dynasties to the spread of diverse religions.

(GLO) – The long-abandoned brick kilns, standing in silence like ancient, deserted towers along Nguyen Binh Street (Hoi Phu Ward, Gia Lai Province), spark curiosity among passersby.

Amid modern life, when many traditional values risk being lost, developing tourism in tandem with preserving local ethnic cultures is seen as a sustainable direction that enables communities to grow economically while maintaining their unique identities.

The 2025 Chư Đang Ya wild sunflower and volcano festival is underway across Gia Lai province, featuring a vibrant series of cultural and sporting events from November 2 to 16.