The agenda includes 18 events led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; 109 events organized by Gia Lai Province; and 117 supporting activities coordinated by 22 centrally governed cities and provinces.
The year-long program spans festivals, cultural and sports activities, investment promotion, market connectivity, community engagement and creative experiential tourism. Events are grouped by quarterly themes to maintain continuity and broaden appeal.
First quarter - “Gia Lai - A new day”:
Activities include the official launch of the National Tourism Year, the “Gia Lai - Welcome to 2026” countdown and programs welcoming the first flight of the year, along with Tet celebrations for the Year of the Horse.
Second quarter - “Quy Nhơn - The seaside paradise, Gia Lai – A fascinating destination”:
This period marks the peak of the program, highlighted by the Opening Ceremony of the National Tourism Year 2026. Events aim to enhance destination branding, deepen regional links and attract sustainable tourism investment.
Third quarter - “Gia Lai - Experience the land of martial arts”:
Vibrant programs include the Summer Tourism Festival “Gia Lai – A fascinating destination,” the international VnExpress Marathon 2026 and the Golden Kite Film Festival, designed to diversify tourism offerings during the peak travel season.
Fourth quarter - “Gia Lai - Resonating with Gong rhythms, touching the soul of the Central Highlands”:
Culturally rich events will include the International Central Highlands Gong Festival, the Wild Sunflower - Chư Đăng Ya Volcano Week and the National Tourism Year 2026 closing ceremony.
The opening ceremony, themed “The great forest meets the blue sea”, is scheduled for March 2026 in Quy Nhơn Ward, Gia Lai Province, and will be broadcast live on Vietnam Television (VTV) and Gia Lai’s radio–television platforms. The Closing Ceremony will take place in Pleiku Ward in December 2026.
Officials said the program underscores Gia Lai’s tourism identity, rooted in ethnic culture and pristine highland landscapes. The extensive calendar signals a coordinated nationwide effort among ministries, local governments and the business community to elevate Vietnam’s tourism sector.