Press conference announces the Vietnam National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026 (Photo: Vinh Phong)

Themed “Gia Lai – Mountains Embrace the Sea”, the program symbolizes the expanded geographical space following the merger of provinces and conveys a strategic message of harmonious connection between the highlands and the sea, between majestic landscapes and unique ethnic cultural identities—including gong and epic—and between conservation and development.

Do Thi Dieu Hanh, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Gia Lai offers cultural values of national and global significance. They include the art of Bai Choi in Central Vietnam, the cultural space of gong culture in the Central Highlands, Binh Dinh traditional martial arts, Kon Ka Kinh National Park, volcanic landscapes, and Cham tower complexes.

Notably, Quy Nhon has been named among the Top 25 World Destinations for 2026 by Lonely Planet and honored as the ASEAN Clean Tourist City 2026.

Gia Lai possesses a diverse transport network spanning road, air and sea routes, along with international border gates, creating favorable conditions for trade, regional connectivity and tourism growth, said Hanh.

“The National Tourism Year - Gia Lai 2026 affirms the national brand associated with the unique identity of ethnic groups, a seamless journey based on cultural values, authentic emotions and the connection between the majestic forest and the blue sea,” Hanh noted.

The opening ceremony will be held in Quy Nhon ward in March. The closing ceremony will take place in Pleiku ward at the end of December.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, said that the program serves as a strategic catalyst to help achieve tourism development goals through 2030 and contributes to Gia Lai’s sustainable development.