Local authorities say environmental protection and resident engagement remain central to the city’s tourism strategy.
Nguyễn Đức Toàn, Chairman of the Quy Nhon Ward People’s Committee, said sustainable growth depends on improving urban cleanliness, safety, and quality of life so that “every citizen sees themselves as a tourism ambassador”.
Recognised three times as an ASEAN Clean Tourist City, Quy Nhon has rolled out pedestrian zones, cultural and heritage tours, Hai Minh fishing village experiences, and night-time economic activities to enhance the visitor experience in its central coastal ward.
While Quy Nhon Ward serves as the city’s tourism heart, surrounding wards are broadening the appeal. Quy Nhon Dong has launched community-run tourism in Nhon Hai fishing village and is promoting the cultural heritage of Nhon Ly and Nhon Hai to create stable livelihoods for residents. “The key to sustainable tourism is community involvement”, said Bùi Duy Ninh, Vice Chairman of the Quy Nhon Dong Ward People’s Committee.
Locals in Nhon Hai are taking an active role in environmental stewardship, from protecting coral reefs to safeguarding sea turtles. Community tourism operator Nguyễn Tôn Xuân Sáng said residents now better understand the link between marine ecosystems and long-term income, helping maintain both the village’s landscape and its draw for visitors.
In Quy Nhon Nam Ward, authorities are developing experiential and marine-culture tourism tied to local cuisine. The area is home to notable attractions such as Quy Hoa leprosy village, Bai Xep fishing village, and the national scenic site of Ghenh Rang, as well as the Center for Scientific Discovery and Innovation.
At the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, themed “ASEAN – Together Shaping the Future,” held in Cebu City (Philippines) from January 26 to 30, Quy Nhon was one of three Vietnamese cities to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026 (the other two being Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh Province and Cua Lo in Nghe An Province).
Previously, Quy Nhon was honored twice, in 2020 and 2024, and was also named by Lonely Planet magazine as one of the world’s top 25 destinations for 2026.
According to Nguyễn Phạm Kiên Trung, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai Tourism Association, Quy Nhon’s ability to integrate community participation, environmental care, and local identity has been essential to maintaining its regional clean-tourism recognition.
These strengths, he said, have earned international visitor appreciation and should be further promoted through stronger connectivity with nearby destinations.
With the combined efforts of residents and authorities, Quy Nhon is reinforcing its image as a friendly, sustainable coastal city while positioning itself to capture momentum from National Tourism Year 2026.