Speaking at the press conference, VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh recalled National Tourism Year is an annual flagship programme jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and host localities. After two decades and 20 editions, the programme has become a major national-scale event, playing an important role in promoting local tourism development, attracting international and domestic visitors, increasing tourism revenue and enhancing destination branding.

Through a wide range of activities, National Tourism Year helps position local tourism brands, stimulate socio-economic development, create livelihoods, strengthen cultural exchange and promote Vietnam’s image and tourism potential internationally, he noted.

He explained Gia Lai has been selected to host the 2026 edition based on its natural conditions, cultural resources, tourism development potential and organisational readiness. The event also comes at a significant time as the country implements administrative restructuring and begins a new development phase following the 14th National Party Congress.

Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich said the National Tourism Year 2026 represents an opportunity for the province to reposition its destination brand and reaffirm its determination to develop tourism into an important economic sector.

The theme “Aspiration for the Blue Sea-Radiance of the Great Highlands” conveys the message of a new Gia Lai as a destination integrating the distinctive values of the Central Highlands and the central coastal region, offering seamless travel experiences based on culture and sustainability, she said.

VNAT Director Khanh highlighted Gia Lai’s strengths, including rare geological heritage, intact ecosystems and rich indigenous culture, which provide a strong foundation for developing green, ecological and cultural tourism in a selective and sustainable manner.

Following administrative consolidation, Gia Lai now possesses a multi-layered and inter-regional tourism resource system that combines tradition and modernity, helping extend visitor stays and increase spending.

In 2026, the National Authority of Tourism and units under the ministry will step up promotion of Gia Lai’s people, natural assets and signature tourism products, while publicising activities held in the province, including 18 events hosted by the ministry, many of which are expected to reach regional and international scale.

Gia Lai has recently been promoted at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 and TRAVEX in the Philippines, and will continue to feature at major domestic and international travel fairs and roadshows.

With coordinated efforts from central and local authorities and the business community, the National Tourism Year 2026 is expected to create a major boost for Gia Lai’s tourism development and contribute to Vietnam’s overall tourism growth.

700 business representatives to attend Gia Lai Investment Promotion Conference

VOV.VN - Around 700 business representatives are expected to atteng the Gia Lai Province Investment Promotion Conference 2026 is scheduled to take place on March 29, according to a plan recently issued by the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee.