The program, themed “Gia Lai - Mountains embrace the sea”, aims to position the Central Highlands province as a leading destination through year-round activities highlighting its landscapes, ethnic identity and emerging coastal connections.
The press conference was jointly chaired by Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, and Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai Province People’s Committee.
The organizers said the theme symbolizes the expanded geographical space following administrative restructuring while promoting a strategic vision of linking the highlands with the sea, natural beauty with cultural heritage, and conservation with development.
Year-long program with nationwide participation
The 2026 agenda consists of 18 events organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; 109 by Gia Lai Province; and 117 supporting activities from 22 provinces and centrally governed cities. Officials emphasized that the National Tourism Year is a coordinated, year-long effort rather than a single festival.
Events will include festivals, cultural and sporting activities, media campaigns, market linkages, investment programs, creative experiences and community-based initiatives. Activities will be rolled out in four quarterly themes to maintain momentum and visitor appeal.
Quarterly highlights
Q1: “Gia Lai - A new day”
Key events include the official launch ceremony, a “Gia Lai - Welcome 2026” countdown tied to the first flight of the year, and celebrations for Tet Gia Lai - Binh Ngo Spring 2026.
Q2: “Quy Nhon - Paradise of the sea, Gia Lai - A fascinating destination”
The peak period features the opening ceremony of the National Tourism Year, destination-promotion programs and investment-attraction activities aimed at fostering sustainable tourism.
Q3: “Gia Lai - Experience the land of martial arts”
Major attractions include the summer tourism festival, the VnExpress Marathon 2026 and the Golden Kite Film Festival, diversifying tourism products during the high season.
Q4: “Gia Lai - Resonating with GongrRhythms, touching the soul of the Central Highlands”
Cultural events such as the International Central Highlands Gong Festival, Wild Sunflower Week - Chu Dang Ya Volcano, and the closing ceremony will conclude the year.
Tourism positioned as key economic pillar
Vice Chairwoman Lich noted that 2026 marks the first year of a new political term in which Gia Lai begins implementing resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress and the provincial party congress. Tourism has been designated one of five pillars of economic growth, with goals to drive development, protect natural resources and promote cultural values.
She said the National Tourism Year serves as both a promotional campaign and a strategic starting point, reinforcing the province’s commitment to establishing tourism as a key economic sector contributing to sustainable socio-economic progress.
Cooperation agreement signed
During the event, the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnam Airlines Corporation to support promotional programs for the 2026 National Tourism Year.