On the afternoon of February 2nd, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee held a press conference to introduce the 2026 National Tourism Year.
National Tourism Year 2026 with the theme "Gia Lai - The vast forest touches the blue sea". It is expected that there will be 244 tourism, cultural and sports events throughout the year. Festival, cultural, sports, promotion, media promotion, market connection, products, investment, community activities, creativity and experience events take place according to each quarter's theme.
Speaking at the program, Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh said that Gia Lai became the host of the National Tourism Year based on criteria on natural conditions, cultural resources, tourism development potential and readiness to organize events.
Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh expressed his expectation that National Tourism Year 2026 will create a strong boost, contributing to increasing the number of international visitors to Gia Lai. At the same time, the event will contribute to the common goal of Vietnam's tourism industry to welcome 25 million international visitors, 150 million domestic visitors and total revenue reaching 1.125 million billion VND.
Vice Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich affirmed that the locality is committed to prioritizing resources to successfully organize the event. National Tourism Year 2026 is not only an event to promote local tourism, this is also a shift in economic development thinking, taking tourism as a driving force to spread to other fields.
National Tourism Year 2026 with the theme "Gia Lai - The Great Forest Touches the Blue Sea" is a message sent to domestic and international friends about a new Gia Lai, a destination that converges the unique values of the Central and Central Highlands regions, according to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich.
In 2026, Gia Lai strives to welcome 15 million tourists, an increase of 21% compared to 2025; total tourism revenue reaches about 35,000 billion VND.
Hosting National Tourism Year 2026 is an opportunity for Gia Lai to reposition its destination brand, affirming its determination to make tourism an important economic sector, contributing to restructuring the economy, creating livelihoods and promoting sustainable development in the coming time.
It is expected that the Opening Ceremony of the National Tourism Year - Gia Lai 2026 with the theme "Great forest touches the blue sea" will be held in Quy Nhon ward, Gia Lai province in March 2026. The Closing Ceremony will be held in Pleiku ward, Gia Lai province at the end of December 2026.
Activities of National Tourism Year 2026 in Gia Lai are organized throughout the year, implemented according to each quarter's theme.
Quarter I with the theme "Gia Lai - New Day", starting with the announcement ceremony of the National Tourism Year, the Countdown program "Gia Lai - Happy New Year 2026", welcoming the first flight and a series of activities for Gia Lai Tet - Binh Ngo Spring 2026.
Quarter II is themed "Quy Nhon - Sea Paradise, Gia Lai - A Wonderful Destination", which is the peak period with the Opening Ceremony of the National Tourism Year 2026 and activities to promote destinations, connect, attract investment, and promote sustainable tourism development.
Quarter III with the theme "Gia Lai - Experience the martial land", the Summer Tourism Festival, the 2026 VnExpress International Marathon, the Golden Kite Film Festival take place, contributing to diversifying products and attracting tourists during peak season.
Quarter IV is themed "Gia Lai - Touching the rhythm of gongs, touching the soul of the Central Highlands", focusing on typical cultural events such as the International Festival of Central Highlands Gongs, Wild Sunflower Week - Chu Dang Ya Volcano and the Closing Ceremony of National Tourism Year 2026, affirming Gia Lai tourism brand.
