Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nghi - Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Committee; Mr. Ho Quoc Dung - Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Nguyen Van Hung - Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Head of the National Tourism Year - Gia Lai 2026 Steering Committee; Mr. Huynh Thanh Xuan - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, along with leaders of ministries, central agencies, provinces and cities and dozens of audiences from home and abroad.
Big boost brings the province to break through
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung emphasized that the series of events is a connection between forest - sea - culture and the aspiration for development.
According to the Minister, this is also an opportunity to introduce to domestic and international friends the image of a dynamic, friendly, and potentially rich Gia Lai; affirming the position of Vietnamese tourism as a key economic sector, making important contributions to the overall growth of the country.
Through 244 rich and unique activities taking place throughout 2026, the event will contribute to honoring traditional cultural values, promoting scenic spots, promoting regional linkages, attracting investment and developing new tourism products.
This is not just a simple tourism event, but also a symbol of aspiration to rise up, of the spirit of innovation, creativity and integration. It is an invitation to friends from five continents to explore a beautiful, safe, rich in identity and vibrant Vietnam," Minister Nguyen Van Hung emphasized.
Directing at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung affirmed that this is a big festival, clearly depicting a new strategic development vision.
The Deputy Prime Minister highly appreciated the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gia Lai province for organizing the series of events thoughtfully, and at the same time believed that this would be a major boost, creating an important driving force for Gia Lai to continue to develop sustainably and comprehensively.
Mr. Ho Quoc Dung proposed that Gia Lai province and the tourism industry nationwide focus on promoting cultural values - the core foundation of tourism development; taking innovation and digital transformation as a driving force for breakthroughs; creating a civilized, safe, and sustainable tourism environment; and at the same time developing synchronous and modern tourism infrastructure, strengthening regional linkages and tourism development cooperation.
I believe Gia Lai province will successfully organize the 2026 National Tourism Year, creating a breakthrough in tourism development, gradually becoming a unique eco-tourism, cultural and historical center of the whole country," Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung expressed.
Eye-catching concert night
The opening program is staged in a large-scale real-scene format, combining modern performing arts with traditional cultural values, recreating the journey connecting from the great forest to the blue sea.
With a structure of 4 consecutive art chapters including "Khởi nguyên - Linh khí đại ngàn - Hào khí Tây Sơn - Đại ngàn chạm biển xanh", the opening part is designed like a series of continuous large scenes, creating a vibrant atmosphere, taking people and tourists through many levels of emotions.
The art space is built like a vivid painting, where the sound of gongs and chiengs of the Central Highlands blends with the historical spirit and contemporary rhythm of life, clearly depicting the intersection between the vast forest landscape and the sea.
After the opening part, the program entered the "musical party" - Mega Concert - with the participation of young artists from the "Say Hi universe" such as Isaac, HIEUTHUHAI, HURRYKNG, Anh Tu, Pham Anh Duy, Tez, Mason Nguyen, Son.K, Lamoon, Bui Truong Linh, CONGB and Juky San.
The artists brought many "sniffs" such as Walk, Bac Thang To Ask God, No Alcohol, Hermosa..., contributing to stirring up the atmosphere of the opening night.
Friend H'Nui Nie (born 2003, tourist from Dak Lak province) shared: "The event is too grand, attractive and eye-catching. Each performance captivates viewers into each melody, touching on the sacred cultural and historical stories of the nation. It must be said that it is too great!
Spending a whole week experiencing the series of events, Nguyen Thi Minh Thu (born 2003, a tourist from Nghe An) expressed her excitement at the performance of a group of young artists from "Say Hi Universe".
Coming here, I see that people, culture and cuisine are all great. The music festival night was too impressive, especially the Mega Concert show. For me, this trip is too worthwhile," said Minh Thu.
