Gia Lai to Host Vietnam’s 2026 National Tourism Year with 244 Major Events

The National Tourism Year 2026 – Gia Lai is themed “Gia Lai – Where the Forest Meets the Blue Sea,” and features an extensive program of 244 exciting cultural, tourism, and sports events designed to captivate both domestic and international travelers.

On the afternoon of February 2, 2026, in Hanoi, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Gia Lai Province jointly held a press briefing to introduce plans for Vietnam’s National Tourism Year 2026, which has been officially entrusted to Gia Lai Province.

According to Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the National Tourism Year is one of the country’s most important tourism and cultural events, carrying national-scale significance. Its primary goals are to: Introduce and promote destinations and unique tourism products across the country; Highlight tangible and intangible cultural heritage that represents Vietnam’s diverse traditions; Foster tourism cooperation between localities nationwide; Attract millions of visitors from within Vietnam and around the world; Boost economic and social development across regions.

Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, speaks at a press conference

For 2026, the Ministry selected Gia Lai Province due to its abundant natural landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and strong political determination to host the event. Gia Lai is Vietnam’s second largest province by land area and has a population of around 3.5 million people. Its strategic geographic position makes it a bridge between the South Central Coast and the Central Highlands. The province also benefits from a diverse transport network including road, air, sea routes, and an international border crossing – factors that will support tourism connectivity and growth.

Rich Natural & Cultural Resources

Gia Lai’s tourism strengths lie in its vast, diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Its tourism offerings range from highland forests and serene lakes to rivers and mountains, with opportunities for adventure, discovery, and cultural engagement. The province holds many national and international heritage recognitions including: Central Highlands Gong Culture, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; Bai Choi art, another UNESCO-recognized tradition representing the folk art and music of Central Vietnam; Traditional opera and martial arts, which enrich cultural expression and appeal; Roc Tung – Stone Mound Historical Site, a special national historic site of Vietnam.

Additionally, nearby the coastal part of the expanded province lies Quy Nhon City, which Lonely Planet recently ranked among the “Top 25 Best Destinations in the World for 2026.” It was also named an ASEAN Clean Tourism City of 2026, strengthening the region’s international appeal.

Theme: Where the Highlands Meet the Sea

The official theme “Where the Forest Meets the Blue Sea” reflects not just the province’s physical geography after recent administrative expansion, but also its strategic vision of connecting the highland forests with the coastal waters. It symbolizes the harmony between nature and culture – between rugged landscapes, vibrant ethnic identity, and community-centered tourism experiences.

A Year of 244 Events Across Vietnam

The National Tourism Year 2026 will present 244 individual events held throughout Vietnam—organized in collaboration with ministries, provincial authorities, tourism associations, cultural organizations, and local communities. These will include:

• Traditional festivals and holiday celebrations, linking Tet New Year festivities with tourism experiences;
• Cultural and performing arts programs, showcasing ethnic music and dance;
• Sports events and competitions, designed to draw active travelers;
• Art exhibitions and film programs, linked to Vietnam’s broader cultural agenda;
• Nature-themed activities, including flower and volcano-themed weeks, such as the Wild Sunflower Week at Chu Dang Ya Volcano;
• Gong rhythm celebrations, celebrating the unique Central Highlands gong culture;
• Investment and promotion events designed to attract sustainable tourism investment.

Ms. Do Thi Dieu Hanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Gia Lai province, affirmed the potential for tourism development in Gia Lai 

The program’s Opening Ceremony is expected to take place in March 2026 in Quy Nhon Ward and will be covered live by Vietnam Television and regional broadcasters. The Closing Ceremony is planned for Pleiku Ward in December 2026, bringing the year-long celebration to a festive close.

Tourism Goals & Economic Vision

Gia Lai aims to welcome around 15 million visitors during the National Tourism Year and to generate approximately 35 trillion VND in tourism revenue for the province. These ambitious targets underline the government’s confidence in tourism as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation.

In addition to tourism impact, the National Tourism Year is expected to have broad social and cultural benefits, including:

• Elevating local cultural practices and traditions on national and global stages;

• Strengthening provincial collaboration and infrastructure to support long-term tourism development;

• Encouraging community engagement in tourism planning and hospitality;

• Promoting sustainability and green tourism principles;

• Boosting domestic travel participation and global awareness of Vietnam’s tourism potential.

Beyond Gia Lai: A National Moment

While Gia Lai serves as host, the 2026 National Tourism Year is structured as a nationwide celebration, with supporting events coordinated by 22 provinces and cities across Vietnam, designed to spread the cultural and tourism spotlight beyond any single locality.

This broad participation underscores the government’s strategy of integrating diverse local cultures and landscapes into a unified national tourism narrative—from vibrant cities and historic towns to serene rural highlands and coastal paradises.