Gia Lai is facing a great opportunity when hosting the National Tourism Year 2026, an important "push" to reposition the destination's image.
However, to turn potential into a sustainable competitive advantage, local tourism not only needs to link and share but also needs to find a different direction. In which, developing tourism associated with clean, organic agriculture is considered a promising direction.
Reality shows that Gia Lai possesses an ideal natural foundation for developing this model. Fertile basalt land, mild climate, diverse landscapes with mountains, forests, waterfalls, natural lakes... are not only favorable for agricultural production but also suitable for forming experiential tourism products.
Mr. Nguyen Chat Sam - Director of Sam Phat IaLy Farmstay Company said: "In IaLy commune, tourism exploitation has long been fragmented, lacking connection between destinations, travel businesses and people, causing the length of stay and spending of tourists to be not high.
One of the issues that needs to be frankly acknowledged is the quality of agricultural production. The abuse of pesticides not only affects the environment but also directly impacts the image of tourism.
According to Mr. Sam, the incidents related to banned substances in agricultural exports in the past time have raised an urgent requirement to switch to clean, safe and sustainable farming models.
To do that, the agricultural sector needs to play a "bridge" role, not only managing but also accompanying people. Guiding organic farming techniques, providing timely information on weather and diseases, as well as supporting the construction of international standard farming areas are key factors.
When agriculture develops towards cleanliness, this will become a valuable "asset" for the tourism industry to exploit.
Current travel trends show that tourists not only look for beautiful scenery but also want to experience reality. Coffee, pepper, durian or organic-cultivated fruit trees can completely become attractive destinations.
Here, visitors can directly participate in harvesting, processing, and enjoying agricultural products on the spot, experiences that are highly personalized, creating a deep impression. This model not only increases economic value but also contributes to building the brand "Green - clean - sustainable Gia Lai".
Gia Lai also needs a long-term investment strategy, while encouraging businesses and people to participate in community tourism development, creating a diverse and closely linked product chain.
People at community tourist destinations must be raised awareness, guided on how to serve tourists, a hot cup of tea, a clean room at home is an invitation for guests to stay to visit and experience.
Travel agencies and specialized agencies provide information, share, and connect widely about events, schedules, and destinations so that tourists can satisfy themselves by playing in all locations. Only then can tourism truly develop," shared Mr. Nguyen Van Ha - a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City.
When agriculture and tourism "join hands", the locality will not only retain tourists longer but also increase the value of its own products.
