Vietnam's tourism sector aims to welcome 25 million international visitors this year

The People’s Committee of Tuy Phuoc Commune in Gia Lai Province on December 27 launched a new tourism product, the “Journey of martial arts and meditation,” at Long Phuoc Pagoda, positioning traditional culture at the centre of local tourism development.

Gia Lai will host a large-scale countdown event to welcome the New Year 2026, featuring a variety of cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities. This event is regarded as a significant milestone for the local tourism sector, aiming to drive recovery and accelerate growth.

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.

Taste Atlas has just released its list of the Best Food Cities in the World 2025, featuring 100 cities. Among them, Vietnamese cuisine is represented by Hue, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Gia Lai province has launched a training programme to strengthen community-based tourism by equipping local residents with traditional cultural knowledge and hospitality skills, provincial authorities said on December 12.

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.

Gia Lai Vice Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch on November 17 inspected Ơp Village in Pleiku Ward and Ia Nueng Village in Biển Hồ Commune to evaluate their potential for developing community-based tourism rooted in Jrai cultural heritage.

(GLO) – The American travel magazine National Geographic has just featured seven of the world’s most stunning sunrise spots, with Da Lat, Vietnam topping the list.

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.